How difficult is replacing an O2 Sensor ?

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isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: isekii
is 360 reasonable for o2 sensor replacement ?

I can purchase o2 sensors at autozone or something right ?

Call the Nissan dealership parts department.

I bought 4 O2 sensors from Isuzu for around $40 each.

They screw into your exhaust system at various points before and after the catalytic converter. You will probably need to get under your vehicle to do this. It isn't difficult though. I don't know how much the parts cost for the Quest, you'll have to call your local dealership to find out. Then you can decide whether it's worth it for you to do it yourself. I think my local mechanic quoted me $180 for him to replace the one sensor that failed. It cost me less to replace all 4 myself.

Yea I have no problems going under.
The mechanic told me that he charges 65 bucks for the install.
which basically tells me that he's charging 295 for the parts ( 1 upstream and 1 downstream )
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,030
123
106
The hard part is getting the old one out they tend to not want to come out. One trick you can do is take a hammer and break off the part with all the wires and crap in it so you can get a normal socket on it. Your replacing it anyway might aswell make it easier to get out. Then you just need a breaker bar or ratchet and maybe a long pipe for extra leverage if your a wus like me. If you try and use a o2 socket witht he slit in it for the wires on the old one to get it out the socket just flexes untill it slips and possibly rounds off the sensor.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,556
951
126
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The hard part is getting the old one out they tend to not want to come out. One trick you can do is take a hammer and break off the part with all the wires and crap in it so you can get a normal socket on it. Your replacing it anyway might aswell make it easier to get out. Then you just need a breaker bar or ratchet and maybe a long pipe for extra leverage if your a wus like me. If you try and use a o2 socket witht he slit in it for the wires on the old one to get it out the socket just flexes untill it slips and possibly rounds off the sensor.

Mine came off easily with a 22mm open end wrench (this was on an 8 year old vehicle that never had the original sensors off as far as I know). I've heard that some can be difficult though.
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The hard part is getting the old one out they tend to not want to come out. One trick you can do is take a hammer and break off the part with all the wires and crap in it so you can get a normal socket on it. Your replacing it anyway might aswell make it easier to get out. Then you just need a breaker bar or ratchet and maybe a long pipe for extra leverage if your a wus like me. If you try and use a o2 socket witht he slit in it for the wires on the old one to get it out the socket just flexes untill it slips and possibly rounds off the sensor.

I hear if you leave the engine on for a min, the metal expands and makes it easier to come out.
Just gotta wear gloves so i don't burn myself.

I'm glad i purchased 2 Jacks + Hydraulic Lift. Not to mention the 2 ramps :)
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
10,869
1
0
i had to change all four out on my explorer, two before the cats and two after. Autozone lets you borrow the tool from them for as long as you need it. It was a quick job. While you're down there, it's also a good time to lube up some of the joints.

-=bmacd=-
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
Originally posted by: bmacd
i had to change all four out on my explorer, two before the cats and two after. Autozone lets you borrow the tool from them for as long as you need it. It was a quick job. While you're down there, it's also a good time to lube up some of the joints.

-=bmacd=-

do you ahve to purchase something to borrow it from them ? Or do you just walk in and ask if you can borrow the Socket ?
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
when we got our O2 sensor replaced on a 90 Accord, I attempted to find it... couldn't... gave it to the corner gas station and for $35 (half hour job - half hour charge) they did it. I had to buy the part myself at Autozone for $55 first.

Better than getting on my hands and knees under a low-clearance Accord... and the mechanic even said it was rough getting that thing off in the first place. I'd pay the $35 if you can find someone willing.
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
10,869
1
0
Originally posted by: isekii
Originally posted by: bmacd
i had to change all four out on my explorer, two before the cats and two after. Autozone lets you borrow the tool from them for as long as you need it. It was a quick job. While you're down there, it's also a good time to lube up some of the joints.

-=bmacd=-

do you ahve to purchase something to borrow it from them ? Or do you just walk in and ask if you can borrow the Socket ?

i purchased two of the four o2 sensors from them. I'd imagine they offer the tool rental to their customers who purchase items relevant to the job.

-=bmacd=-
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
It all depends on where the sensor is located, for example, on my Shelby (and all other turbo dodges) the O2 sensor is in the exhaust manifold, which is mounted on the rear of the motor rather than the front like many import 4 cyls. You have to jack up the car and get underneath where the O2 is in a tight little spot.

On my 90 Integra, it's right up front as soon as you pop the hood, I had it out in 5 mins.
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
Originally posted by: geno
It all depends on where the sensor is located, for example, on my Shelby (and all other turbo dodges) the O2 sensor is in the exhaust manifold, which is mounted on the rear of the motor rather than the front like many import 4 cyls. You have to jack up the car and get underneath where the O2 is in a tight little spot.

On my 90 Integra, it's right up front as soon as you pop the hood, I had it out in 5 mins.

why would you need to open up the hood ?
I thought it was by the Cat ?
 

alm99

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2000
4,560
0
0
Originally posted by: isekii
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The hard part is getting the old one out they tend to not want to come out. One trick you can do is take a hammer and break off the part with all the wires and crap in it so you can get a normal socket on it. Your replacing it anyway might aswell make it easier to get out. Then you just need a breaker bar or ratchet and maybe a long pipe for extra leverage if your a wus like me. If you try and use a o2 socket witht he slit in it for the wires on the old one to get it out the socket just flexes untill it slips and possibly rounds off the sensor.

I hear if you leave the engine on for a min, the metal expands and makes it easier to come out.
Just gotta wear gloves so i don't burn myself.

I'm glad i purchased 2 Jacks + Hydraulic Lift. Not to mention the 2 ramps :)

where did you get your lift and jacks from?
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
32,236
53
91
It's not that difficult but I guess it depends on your car. Took me about 20min to install in my car. That's not including soldering the old wiring harness onto the new o2 sensor though.
 

Nerdwannabe

Senior member
Nov 21, 2000
398
0
0
After market O2 parts are about $75 each at online parts store. I imagine price will be close to double if you buy them at the local dealers.

Since your mechanics only charge $65 to install it, why not purchase the part online and have the mechanic install it? This would save you the trouble of installing yourself and possibily mess up the installation (quite unlikely though)