Hello all, I have a question concerning replacing my upstream O2 Sensors. I recently had my truck tuned by Troyer Performance and one of the recommendations from them was to replace my upstream O2 sensors. I bought the Bosch sensors like Troyer had suggested. I've taken my truck to a couple of places and they don't recommend me replacing them since my truck is not reading a code or has any problems so there is no need to replace them. Should I just go rent the tool and replace them myself?

 

From what I've seen on my '92 5.0 which only has the one sensor, you should be able to get to the sensor with a normal spanner (wrench) but everyone keeps talking about using a special tool, I presume it's some sort of deep socket?

Any reason not to use a normal wrench if it'll work?

 

The nut to tighten the sensor down is VERY thin so attempting to tighten it from the side with a wrench looks as if that could really be tough to do. I havent looked at the sensors that are currently on the truck but I can imagine they are rusted and will be tough to loosen. I think like you had mentioned above, the "tool" must be some sort of deep socket.

I don't know much about o2 sensors but I have been reading a lot. I've found in some sites that replacing the o2 sensors on OBD-II vehicles is not recomended as part of preventitive maintenance. I also found that if I do change em, I could possibly get 10% increase in fuel economy. I also found that if I do change em I could take the risk out of damaging my converter or even my trucks computer since a worn out sensor will not set off a code but will not work right and could damage things.

My truck has a total of 4 o2 sensors, I paid 100$ for the 2 upstream o2 sensors so I'm gonna replace them and see how it goes. Just don't know much about em.

 

Sensors tend to gradually get lazy and degrade a bit over time. You may not get a ode, but your sensors may not be functioning optimally.

I replace mine regularly, typically about every 40 - 60K miles, as a general rule of thumb. just the upstrem ones, not the downstream ones as they aern't critical for fuel management - they only tell the ECU if your cats are working/present.

 

That makes sense since that is what MikeT said to replace as well. I'm gonna give it a shot this weekend. Thanks for the advice.

 

I did mine about a month ago ... I do spend a lot time reading here and Mike T does give a lot of good info ... Mine never gave me any codes telling me that there was a problem but, I did notice that after I changed them my MPG went up a little.

You are going to need a 22m crows foot (summit raceing) and a universal to make the job easier... The drivers side was easy ... as for the passanger side it took a litte longer and I had it broke loose and didn't know it

 

Is this the socket needed to replace the sensors? http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

It's the only one I see on the site

Thanks,
Jerry

 

That would be the one .... I did the drivers side with a wrench but when you do the passanger side that tool comes in handy

 

Many thanks!

 

I replaced my upstream sensors. I bought a O2 sensor wrench from Advance Auto for $14.00.

The had it on the self.

 

I just used a regular 7/8 (i think) wrench. It wasn't that hard, but I did remove the transmission dipstick tube. It is held on by one tiny bolt. (8mm socket I think)

I think it's a waste of time if you don't have any problems. My original O2's had 160,000 miles on them, and when I replaced them, my mileage stayed the same.

 

Remove the wheels and the plastic inner fender wells. About 6 screws and 5 minutes per side.

With the fender wells removed the sensors are out in the open and you can remove them with a 7/8 or 22 mm box end wrench. Plus the connectors are easy to disconnect.