Need an O2 sensor socket for occasional use

[AmateurMechanic]

I need a 7/8" O2 sensor socket for a job that I've got planned in the near future. I really can't see myself needing this more than once or twice since I don't wrench for a living, so does anyone have recommendations for an inexpensive but decent O2 sensor socket?

I see HF has one for $5.99, not sure about the quality though.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-offset-oxygen-sensor-wrench-97177.html

 

[ChevyEFI]

What quality issues were you planning on having with one-time use?

Put a box end on it first.
Bother with the specialty socket only if you have clearance issues.

 

[sberry]

How much would you be out on a 6$ wrench that has a super warranty?

 

[unslow1]

I have them and usually use a box wrench. If you need them just buy when you actually do. That way you know which style to get. Those are loaner tools at auto parts stores.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

What quality issues were you planning on having with one-time use?

Put a box end on it first.
Bother with the specialty socket only if you have clearance issues.

Regular wrench won't fit around heat shield. Already checked.

How much would you be out on a 6$ wrench that has a super warranty?

Good point. Judging from the reviews on HF it seems to be a solid product, but I always like to get GJ's opinion.

 

[Skin]

Crummy O2 socket that doesn't work = replacing the sensor. If a higher quality socket would of saved that sensor then it just paid for itself. Just keep that in mind.

Snap-On SWR2, which the HF is a cheap copy of, can be had for $20-30 fairly often. Also make sure the offset drive of that style wont cause a problem. Sometimes you need a deep. Lastly use an impact wrench if you have one.

 

[Daedalus]

I have one that looks exactly like the HF one, though I'm not sure where I got it, as I've had it since before I had ever heard of HF. It hasn't let me down yet, though there's rarely much clearance for turning the offset tab very far.

 

[Finky198]

I have never once had to take a O2 sensor out and put that same one back in.... in our neck of the woods here in the rust belt it's extremely rare that they ever come out in usable condition.

I would check the resistance across the circuit to see if it's good or not. if it's not just clip the wires and use a six point deep socket as it won't spread like an O2 socket. I think I have 4 different types O2 sockets they rarely get used

The HF is actually a well made socket there sensor socket kit is not bad either for the money. The snappy one is nice to I found it under a truck somebody must have given up. The OEM is pretty much the same as the HF variety

 

[ajchien]

I have the HF O2 socket. I've used it twice. It worked twice. Not sure what else to say.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I have never once had to take a O2 sensor out and put that same one back in.... in our neck of the woods here in the rust belt it's extremely rare that they ever come out in usable condition.

I would check the resistance across the circuit to see if it's good or not. if it's not just clip the wires and use a six point deep socket as it won't spread like an O2 socket. I think I have 4 different types O2 sockets they rarely get used

Yeah, this ^^^ ..... plan on replacing the sensor. Use a regular socket or wrench. I've made custom wrenches (as needed) by bending slightly after heating with oxy/acet torch.

If the sensor is really stuck, then heat the bung with pinpoint oxy/acet torch.

I always plan on ruining a O2 sensor upon removal.

 

[Finky198]

^^^ Yup I totally agree especially with the heat

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Just to clarify, the sensor is working fine, and I'm not replacing the sensor. I believe I need to remove the sensor in order to replace a rusted out catalytic converter heat shield that's making noise.

There's a chance I can unplug the sensor and the plug will fit through the hole, so I'm not 100% sure yet if I actually need to remove the O2 sensor or not. Hopefully not.

I know I can simply cut out the rusted heat shield and not put a new one on, but since I'm doing this as a hobby and not getting paid by the hour, I prefer to do all my car repairs "by the book".

 

[theoldwizard1]

I just use a wrench !

 

[AmateurMechanic]

I just use a wrench !

See pic above. No way to fit a wrench on there without cutting the O2 sensor wire. And the O2 sensor is working fine so I wouldn't want to do that. The only kind of socket that would fit would be the special O2 sensor socket.

 

[cheechi]

I used to live in an apt complex where people would drive up to me working in my garage and I'd do basic stuff like oil, brakes, various levels of parts replacing, so I did several O2 sensors.

I have BOTH HF ones, used about a dozen times between them. Sometimes clearance/laziness issues mean you dont have room for one kind or another.

However, I have found if you need something other than a socket I personally have had better results with a flare wrench than a standard open end. Never tried a box end but if you cut the pigtail I just never did it that way.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Just rent it at Autozone.

 

[mrvm]

Just to clarify, the sensor is working fine, and I'm not replacing the sensor. I believe I need to remove the sensor in order to replace a rusted out catalytic converter heat shield that's making noise.

There's a chance I can unplug the sensor and the plug will fit through the hole, so I'm not 100% sure yet if I actually need to remove the O2 sensor or not. Hopefully not.

I know I can simply cut out the rusted heat shield and not put a new one on, but since I'm doing this as a hobby and not getting paid by the hour, I prefer to do all my car repairs "by the book".

Had the same issue on my 2004 Honda Pilot. I cut off the loose rusted rattling section and used a large stainless steel strap clamp to stabilize the rest. IMO don't mess with the O2 sensor unless its defective. Own both types of O2 sensor sockets from HF, a rare gem in the box

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Had the same issue on my 2004 Honda Pilot. I cut off the loose rusted rattling section and used a large stainless steel strap clamp to stabilize the rest. IMO don't mess with the O2 sensor unless its defective. Own both types of O2 sensor sockets from HF, a rare gem in the box

Yep, Honda owner here as well. The rusting catalytic converter heat shield is a very common issue apparently.

I think what I might do is just take a pair of snips and cut a little slit in the old heat shield (for the O2 sensor wire) in order to remove it without having to remove the O2 sensor...and then cut the same slit in the new one in order to put it on.

I probably should have just done the hose clamp fix instead of trying to do the repair 100% by the book, lol.

 

[Skin]

I have never once had to take a O2 sensor out and put that same one back in.... in our neck of the woods here in the rust belt it's extremely rare that they ever come out in usable condition.

And you work on vehicles professionally? I've saved a lot using good O2 sockets and impact wrenches, rust or no. Some sensors cost hundreds of dollars so snipping every wire and billing the customer for new is just really lazy.

Just to clarify, the sensor is working fine, and I'm not replacing the sensor. I believe I need to remove the sensor in order to replace a rusted out catalytic converter heat shield that's making noise.

9/10 shops would just stick a couple screw band clamps on it and call it good. The last shop would just cut the shield off. Those shields are a piece of foil and cost way too much for what they are. Last Honda I priced was something like $120.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

9/10 shops would just stick a couple screw band clamps on it and call it good. The last shop would just cut the shield off. Those shields are a piece of foil and cost way too much for what they are. Last Honda I priced was something like $120.

I got the part for around $50 online from a dealership. I know $50 is still ridiculously overpriced for a piece of metal but since I'm doing the fix myself and not getting paid flat rate, it makes me feel better to do it the right way

 

[Finky198]

And you work on vehicles professionally? I've saved a lot using good O2 sockets and impact wrenches, rust or no. Some sensors cost hundreds of dollars so snipping every wire and billing the customer for new is just really lazy.

Yes I work professionally on cars trucks and equipment. I never said I cut every single O2 sensor and I have 4 different O2 sockets... but in my experience if you have to take it out in the first place its because of 1 or both of these issues either the sensor is dead or the part that the sensor screws into is beat/rusted to hell. Around here it's due to the road salt. When there really bad even the snappy socket will spread, I've had some so bad that they sheered off with impact sockets and we just weld on a new bung

In this case now that we have a picture. I would unbolt the heat shield first to see what condition everything is in before I would even attempt to remove the O2 sensor.

just because it's in the book doesn't mean that's the right way or only way to do it ( having the skills and knowledge to tackle a job from multiple approaches is what makes a great mechanic)

 

[thesilverone]

the time wasted on this thread could of been used to put a SS clamp over the heat shield

 

[impactsocket]

GearWrench 7/8 in. (22mm) Oxygen Sensor Socket worked for me. You will need it to torque the Oxygen Sensor to the right torque setting.

 

[anndel]

Just get the HF socket as planned. $6 plus shipping and/or tax isn't much is it? personally I would go for a made in USA version but how often will you use it?

 

[Chris83]

I have an O2 socket like the HF one posted but from princess auto and have changed over 50 O2 sensors with it no problem. Every time I have used the deep socket type it just stretches and rounds the corners so in my opinion they are junk.

Now if you just need to change the heat shield unplug the sensor and slip the connector through the hole.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Now if you just need to change the heat shield unplug the sensor and slip the connector through the hole.

Yeah, that's the plan. If the plug somehow doesn't fit through the hole, I'll probably just cut a small slot in the heat shield so that I don't have to worry about removing the O2 sensor and possibly stripping it.

 

[JoeMA]

On some vehicles you can fit the connector end through the closed end of a deep offset wrench and it works great.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got the HF one. It's worked every time I've used it. When clearance isn't an issue, a wrench (6 point, slipped over the wires) has worked well. Hard to complain about a $6 tool. It's paid for itself the first time I used it.

 

[purplezr2]

Will the cover just slide off and over the connector?