OEM O2 Sensor Wrench

[cgrutt]

Got an email saying had an Autozone credit about to expire so stopped in local store and headed straight for the tool isle. Picked up this O2 wrench basically for free. Paid a couple dollars plus tax after store credit. Didn't really need it but looks much sturdier than the O2 socket I have and have been changing them what seems too frequently in wife's car lately. Looks like a copy of the Snap on. Back of package says made in Tiawan.




Side view



Also bought a mechanics stethoscope hopefully will help me track down an annoying "knock" in front suspension or steering linkage that has been bugging me for a while.

 

[OccupantRJ]

With the car on the ground, have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth both directions about 45 degrees while you reach under and wrap your hand around each moving point, including the inner tie rods on the steering rack. This is the best way I have found to pinpoint suspension slop. Things change with the car off the ground. My son had a Jeep with death wobble and he took it to an alignment shop who told him all Jeeps do it, and that special shims, etc. were needed. He brought it to me and I found a loose tie rod end in two minutes just laying on a piece of cardboard in the driveway.

 

[tak1313]

For O2 sensors, I've read too many nightmares (your experience may be different) about how much of a PIA it can be, with seizing, rusting, access, etc.

I DO have a mess of different specialty sockets/attachments for sensors, but the one that's ALWAYS worked for me is a trusty 22mm slugging wrench. Disconnect the sensor so the wrench can slide over the wiring, then pound with a small sledge (2 lbs).

Has never taken more than 3 wacks (usually one) to get it to start moving, after which I 'gently' go back and forth, using penetrating oil to seep into the thread, etc. to make sure it doesn't gall on the way out.

They're pretty cheap used on FleaBay (where I got mine).

 

[HoosierBuddy]

For O2 sensors, I've read too many nightmares (your experience may be different) about how much of a PIA it can be, with seizing, rusting, access, etc.

I DO have a mess of different specialty sockets/attachments for sensors, but the one that's ALWAYS worked for me is a trusty 22mm slugging wrench. Disconnect the sensor so the wrench can slide over the wiring, then pound with a small sledge (2 lbs).

Has never taken more than 3 wacks (usually one) to get it to start moving, after which I 'gently' go back and forth, using penetrating oil to seep into the thread, etc. to make sure it doesn't gall on the way out.

They're pretty cheap used on FleaBay (where I got mine).

Sweet. The style OP post may work great for him, as he says he's replaced the sensors before. However, that style pictured that has the split in it was a bear for me to use on my 10 year old Tacoma that had never had the sensor removed. Your torque is severely limited by the split-type design. When you really start pulling on that style, the split opens up until the wrench slips 1/6 turn without budging the sensor.


I had to get a big-*** vise grip and use it around the wrench to keep the split from opening up. That made the wrench extremely awkward, but got the sensor out for me.

 

[bcradio]

perfect candidate for the Show your new tool arrivals thread!

 

[cgrutt]

Haven't changed a lot of O2 sensors before and can only recall having a problem once on my old F150 but that was mainly due to limited access. I have the split style socket and have been concerned about it opening up and rounding off or damaging sensor. Saw the Snap on in this style a while back and it has been in back of my mind but hard to justify as DIYer. I didn't even know this style was available in other brands until this afternoon. It was basically a freebie so not that concerned about it if it works great if not no biggie. Seems very well built though no play in handle chrome looks decent the business end is pretty beefy. Guess ill see how it works out. Don't expect any issues wife's car has four and they come out pretty easily.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I removed the two sensors on our SUV when I replaced the exhaust. I just took them out and put them back on with a pair of Knipex Cobras.

 

[BTJHP]

Also bought a mechanics stethoscope hopefully will help me track down an annoying "knock" in front suspension or steering linkage that has been bugging me for a while.

sway bar links

 

[gizardlizard]

Haven't changed a lot of O2 sensors before and can only recall having a problem once on my old F150 but that was mainly due to limited access. I have the split style socket and have been concerned about it opening up and rounding off or damaging sensor. Saw the Snap on in this style a while back and it has been in back of my mind but hard to justify as DIYer. I didn't even know this style was available in other brands until this afternoon. It was basically a freebie so not that concerned about it if it works great if not no biggie. Seems very well built though no play in handle chrome looks decent the business end is pretty beefy. Guess ill see how it works out. Don't expect any issues wife's car has four and they come out pretty easily.

Down and dirty trick for 02 sensor sockets that open up: stick a worm drive hose clamp on the socket and tighten it. Works pretty slick

 

[cgrutt]

sway bar links

Thanks I have to check. I replaced the entire front suspension this past Spring I think it might be coming from the steering linkage or steering rack. It happens while turning wheel even if car is stopped. Can here a "thump". Not all the time though. I've looked a few times and can't seem to track it down.

These are the new parts (one side) that have been replaced.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Also bought a mechanics stethoscope hopefully will help me track down an annoying "knock" in front suspension or steering linkage that has been bugging me for a while.

I got one a while back. Made by Lisle. I mainly use it to check speakers. I can wave it over each driver to determine if it is working. Also handy for listening to hard drives. It does help isolate the location of noises under the hood.

However the ear pieces are not very comfortable...at all.

 

[kbeefy]

Not sure what vehicle your working on, but the lower stereing columg bearing on some GM products is prone to failing....

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure what vehicle your working on, but the lower stereing columg bearing on some GM products is prone to failing....

2006 Mercedes E350

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure what vehicle your working on, but the lower stereing columg bearing on some GM products is prone to failing....

That's pretty cool are those little microphones that clip onto suspension parts? Only $106 on Zoro does it work?

 

[kbeefy]

That's pretty cool are those little microphones that clip onto suspension parts? Only $106 on Zoro does it work?

Yes.

You can put the little microphones where ever and go for a drive wearing headphones. There is a little control box so you can switch channels. I use it for listening to wheel bearings, but you can use it for almost anything.

 

[cgrutt]

Thanks @kbeefy

 

[kbeefy]

2006 Mercedes E350

I know nothing about that. BUT. I have been shopping for (and just purchased) a ford van. There are alot of 'mercedes e350' references that come up while looking for a Ford E-350....