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[Shelby]

Anyone have any useful hints and tips for removing the lambda sensor (2.0 litre) and the exhaust mounting bolt that is next to it?

I just can't shift the sensor bolt and the mount bolt next to it has a nut on the end that I can only assume is supposed to be welded to the inside of the bracket it is on, so the nut screws into it.  However, it isn't attached so when I turn the bolt it just turns the nut aswell, the nut is round edged so can not get another spanner on it to hold it and is in a very confined space also.

These are the only bits I need to get off now to put a new cat on and having a bit of a drama with them.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

[TheBoy]

Spent ages trying to remove a V6 lamda on Saturday. In the end, had to admit defeat 

[Shelby]

Not looking good based on that.  I need to get this done and in for a retest to get through MOT before Friday, as we are supposed to be going away camping for a week on Saturday!

Really short on cash aswell (get paid Friday) and could do without having to replace a working sensor  damn annoying.

I can probably get round the mount issue by just cutting it off, the sensor is the main problem.

[Abiton]

Yep, can be a right pain. I've failed on the only one I've ever tried.  Right tool and probably blow-torch heat may have helped.  May as well have been welded in for all the effect I had on trying to remove it. 

Might be a good time to read some stuff about how  lambda sensors don't last forever, and are likely to give reduced economy as they 'tire'; bite the bullet and buy a new one. 

For the unstuck captive nut, can you cut the bolt, then replace with bolt and normal nut?

[Shelby]

I do have a little blow torch so might give it a bit of a heat up tomorrow and see how it goes.

As for the nut, will probably angle grind the nut and/or the bracket off, not a problem how much it gets wrecked on the exhaust side as its being replaced anyway, just need to keep the engine mount side intact for obvious reasons.

[neilr]

can you not take the exhaust off with lamda attached disconnect plug and take it to exhaust centre/garage and ask them to heat and remove it. done this in the past with broken manifold studs etc

[Shelby]

Well, managed to get the cat section off last night.  Had to angle grind the mount off the exhaust but at least I can get to the shot bolt now.

As for taking it to a garage to get it removed, a good point.  However, the problem I have is time as I can't afford to take time off work to do the job and I need it done by Friday to get it in for a retest (car needed to go away camping on Saturday)!

Im going to order a replacement sensor today with next day delivery, then I can put the new pipe on tonight and just have the sensor to do on Thursday.  Ill still try and get the old one out and will keep it as a spare if nothing else.

[Shelby]

Well, took the remove cat down to kwikfit this evening and they got the sensor off in about 5 mins lol.

Have fitted the new cat with the lambda sensor and will be putting it in for a retest tomorrow .... fingers crossed.

The offending articles 

[Brikhead]

I've never failed to remove lambda's and have always removed them when the exhaust has been stone cold, I did one today on a 1.8 Vectra that was particularly stubborn, I had to resort to a big adjustable and a lump hammer but it still came off in a usable state...

[2woody]

best way I've found to remove lambda sensors is with a BIG pair of self-tightening pliers.

..... and the worst way is with WD-40 or the like. Silicone causes instant death to lambda sensors. irrepairable

[Omegatoy]

lol I have a very very old whitworth spanner that fits lamda sensors perfectly!!! its never failed to shift one in all the years ive been changing them!! you can keep your metric stuff!!!