vvalle36

I just recently purchased a 98 Mustang V6. 3.8. So check engine came on and its reading bank 1 sensor 1 is bad. I'm having difficulty trying to remove it. I can barely get my hand through the tight space. I have the O2 socket and when I get it attached there is no room to break it loose. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Dubwhat

Is the socket the whole wrench or just the socket? Have you tried using a universal?

nba1341

Ok I had a lot of difficulty with this it took me a few days and lots of frustration to figure it out.

What I ended up using was this oxygen sensor socket from harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-8-eig...ket-95045.html

Attached to a swivel 3/8 socket (same thing pictured but 3/8 drive)


Then I attached it to about 1 foot of extensions (this exact set)
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...set-67972.html

Which was finally attached to a wrench to break the socket loose. (I used wrench + pvc pipe however breaker bar would if its ratcheting)

Come in from the front of the car near the radiator go above the control arm and you will be able to get the socket over the sensor with the swivel and come out right before the radiator. If car is on jackstands and or pulled up 1 tire over a curb you will have plenty of space and leverage to break it loose.

-Installed using the same method even though it says not to use a socket to install. Just followed the box said 1/2 turn after tight or something.

vvalle36

I was hoping to get a reply after a few hours after posting. But thanks guys. What I ended up doing was almost exactly what NBA said. I connected a swivel to the O2 sensor socket, then connect two extensions 4 inch to a 2 inch behind the swivel then using a breaker bar. Came off fairly easy after I thought of using a swivel and all the extensions. You probably don't need a breaker bar you can just use a regular ratchet. No more check engine and passed smog as of yesterday. Before I posted this question I had browsed all of google looking for an answer......And this is probably the most easy way to remove it. Thanks Again

Dubwhat

The 'Swivel' is a Universal. They make them in all sizes and they come in HANDY a lot of the time. The extensions are also nice, gets you away from tight spots.

Glad you got it done!