Remove front 02 sensor from 05 Impreza RS

[steve56]

Anybody remove the front 02 sensor from an 05 Impreza RS. It looks like from underneath car the y pipe would have to be dropped to get to it. I'm trying to avoid getting under car. Theres a video of it being removed by taking off the front passenger tire. Unfortunately the video is on a 2005 STI which looks like the sensor is on the side of exhaust. The 2005 RS front 02 sensor is on the front of exhaust. Access is  blocked by the cv axle from the top and from underneath.

Edited January 26, 2017 by steve56

[1 Lucky Texan]

isn't there a special type end wrench for those too? I bet it would approach form the side so, maybe clearance would'nt be bad?

 

but, I think they can still be troublesome - maybe start spraying with penetrant now (PB Blaster, Kroil or 50:50 acetone and ATF) might need to try loosening it while it's warm too.

 

 

 

Edited January 26, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan

[steve56]

isn't there a special type wrench for those? I bet it would approach form the side so, maybe clearance would'nt be bad?

 

but, I think they can still be troublesome - maybe start spraying with penetrant now (PB Blaster, Kroil or 50:50 acetone and ATF) might need to try loosening it while it's warm too.

Yes Theres a 02 wrench kit at the auto parts store containing the wrench similar to your first picture, that I can "borrow". That means you buy it and if you bring it back in 48 hours they reverse the charge. However the problem is access to the 02 sensor with the 02 sensor removal kit.

Edited January 26, 2017 by steve56

[Fairtax4me]

Gotta go from underneath. I know it sounds like a pain but there isn't a good way to get enough leverage to crack the old one loose from the top.

You also kinda need the exhaust to be hot when you try to remove the sensor. They don't like to loosen when the exhaust is cold. The steel sleeve shrinks around the sensor and makes it 10x harder to crack it loose.

 

Rent the tool or just buy one for $15 on Amazon.

[steve56]

Gotta go from underneath. I know it sounds like a pain but there isn't a good way to get enough leverage to crack the old one loose from the top.

You also kinda need the exhaust to be hot when you try to remove the sensor. They don't like to loosen when the exhaust is cold. The steel sleeve shrinks around the sensor and makes it 10x harder to crack it loose.

 

Rent the tool or just buy one for $15 on Amazon.

Thanks for the advise and explanation. Was hoping to go through the side by taking the passenger tire off.

[steve56]

Thanks for the advise and explanation. Was hoping to go through the side by taking the passenger tire off.

Got the three piece 02 removal tool from Orielys. The socket fits the sensor, but there's no room to get breaker bar on socket, Theres got to be another way.

Pulled the y pipes down from the heads. That was the only way I could access the 02 sensor.

Edited February 3, 2017 by steve56