stabes

Hello,

Anyone have any tips on making my job a bit easier when I have to replace two oxygen sensors on a 1995 A6 V6? I suppose anything tightened into the exhaust manifold is going to be difficult to remove, never mind that's it near impossible to reach them

Thanks,
Mart

Rusty Spokes

O2 sensor tools help. I could be wrong..I think you have 4 O2 sensors..two up top and two after the catalytic converters. I have several types of O2 sensor tools..the O2 sensor on the driver's side upper was tough to get to. I had to modify a closed end O2 ring tool to fit in the tight space and whack it via a length of steel rebar to loosen that O2 sensor.

PB Blaster or Kroil applied liberally on the base of the O2 sensors the night prior to work will help.

Mine were original O2 sensors and were stuck pretty good after 15 years.

stabes

Okay thanks.

egp320i

Get the O2 socket from Lisle if you can, they can be found at local auto parts places such as Autozone for around $10.
The right side is easy, plenty of room and it's direct. The left side is tricky due to the brake master, coolant tank, etc.
You can try a wobble extension or try to go through the wheel well with the socket.
Just watch you do not cross thread, do it by hand first.

It also helps to let the engine run for a minute or two so the header expands otherwise they can be on damn tight.

If you want to be exact the torque on the front and rear 02 sensors is 37 ft-lb.

ncoupe

Concur with egp320i. Go through the steering tie rod opening at the wheel well with an O2 sensor socket and a long ratchet drive. That is how I got mine out.