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Going to tackle the upstream O2 sensors on both sides on my C5. Looks a bit daunting to figure out how best to get a breaker bar on these to break them free. I assume best to get the car up on jack stands (I don't have a lift) and tackle from below. Anybody who has done this and has any advice for assisting in removal, I'd appreciate the input.
This is a 99 and I don't know the whole ownership history of the car, but I am willing to bet by the look, that they are original. I suspect they will be a real bear to get out.
Probably going to have to remove the midpipe from the manifold. Should make it far easier. The tough part is going to be removing the nuts on the header flanges. I tackled a header install this weekend and broke 5 of 6 of those nuts. Soaked each in PB blaster but they broke extremely easily. Might want to spray them down a night or two beforehand, maybe a torch. Keep in mind I have a 2004 Z with only 2 big cats so my information could be irrelevant as I know there are different catalytic converter setups on earlier C5s.
I think your best bet is to remove the exhaust manifold from the car. Then put the manifold in a vice then remove the O2 sensor.
It may seem like more work but I think it would be less work since you won't be trying to contort yourself and will probably save you a lot of frustration.
I think your best bet is to remove the exhaust manifold from the car. Then put the manifold in a vice then remove the O2 sensor.
It may seem like more work but I think it would be less work since you won't be trying to contort yourself and will probably save you a lot of frustration.
And especially if the O2 sensor is stubborn.
I would NOT remove manifolds. That's another box of worms! If you really can not get a good angle to to get them loose just dropping the exhaust should give you easy access.
Thanks to all who replied. I finally got around to doing these over the holiday weekend. Removing the manifolds was not necessary....getting the car elevated on jack stands gave enough clearance to get the O2 socket on there with a cheater bar. Let them marinate in PB Blaster and the broke free easier than expected. An easier job than I expected overall and the car now idles/runs better. Don't be afraid of this job, it is not too bad.
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by Costanza
Thanks to all who replied. I finally got around to doing these over the holiday weekend. Removing the manifolds was not necessary....getting the car elevated on jack stands gave enough clearance to get the O2 socket on there with a cheater bar. Let them marinate in PB Blaster and the broke free easier than expected. An easier job than I expected overall and the car now idles/runs better. Don't be afraid of this job, it is not too bad.
thats good to hear what combination of tools and ratchet and extension did you use?
thats good to hear what combination of tools and ratchet and extension did you use?
Just used the o2 sensor socket sold by Advance Auto Parts store in town (see picture). 3/8 drive and big breaker bar to get it to move, then switch to smaller ratchet handle to loosen rest of way. It takes some tinkering to get socket on and breaker bar in at correct angle to get a swing at it...once loose, small ratchet is easy.
It is easier if you cut the wires on the old o2 sensor before putting socket on.....but then you are really "committed" once you do that.
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by Costanza
Just used the o2 sensor socket sold by Advance Auto Parts store in town (see picture). 3/8 drive and big breaker bar to get it to move, then switch to smaller ratchet handle to loosen rest of way. It takes some tinkering to get socket on and breaker bar in at correct angle to get a swing at it...once loose, small ratchet is easy.
It is easier if you cut the wires on the old o2 sensor before putting socket on.....but then you are really "committed" once you do that.
thanks, we just replaced the o2 sensors on my DD....and i bought three different removal sockets from rock auto for the price of one at the local parts store. and luckily that is one of the ones i got!
C5 O2 sensor removal
