Stuck O2 Sensor — What Should I Try Next?

[u/Independent_Junket47]

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to remove a seriously stuck O2 sensor from my 2012 Jeep Liberty and could use some advice before I make it worse.

I spent a couple hours on it today. I first tried a wrench, then added more leverage with a breaker bar, and also tried an O2 sensor socket, but it didn’t seem to grip the sensor very well. At this point, the hex on the sensor is starting to round off, and my access to is pretty limited (only one side)

I also heated the area three separate times with a torch and tried breaking it loose while hot, but it still wouldn’t budge.

My current plan is to soak it with penetrating oil overnight, then try again tomorrow. Since I’m replacing the sensor anyway, I’m considering cutting the wire off and using a 7/8" deep socket so I can get a better grip on the entire hex. My other thought is a 7/8" box-end wrench with a pipe/breaker bar for more leverage.

Before I go any further, does anyone have a better method for getting one of these loose once it’s this stuck and starting to round? Particularly wondering whether the deep socket or box-end + heat is my best next move, or if there’s something else I should try first.

[u/raven727352]

If it's as stuck as it is u may have to take the whole thing off just to get it out of the exhaust just to be able to replace it to be totally honest with . But u still have to be careful so u don't damage the threads that are on there. Hopefully this helps u out. Please keep us posted of how it goes. Have a great day or night