I am replacing my front O2 sensor on my 2004 Matrix (160,000 miles) and my friends all recommend that I first spray the sensor threads with an oil penetrant. Otherwise, I risk breaking it off. This would mean removing the heat shield, which has one nut I am struggling to remove. I already lost my ratchet socket trying to remove that bolt.
Has anyone had success getting the oil penetrant in the oxygen sensor threads with the heat shield on? Am overly concerned about the O2 sensor being locked up?
use the aerosol cans with the long flexible tube and just soak the area
It worked. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the advice. I bought a decent socket set to replace my 30-year-old $10 set from Kmart and got the oxygen sensor replaced. Not having the sockets fall off of the handle made all the difference in the world.
Try using your penetrating oil on the heat shield bolt. Heating the bolt with a small, inexpensive propane plumbers torch will also help loosen it. In addition to the penetrating oil you can also use heat to help loosen the old oxygen sensor if it proves stubborn. Good luck.
