Is it possible to remove/replace the in pipe O2 sensor on a 2003 Monte?

I found out to even get to the wiring of this thing I had to drill out 2 of the rivets that hold the heat shield to the floor pan.

But is it possible to drop the exhaust to get this O2 sensor out and not do damage to the exhaust?

Anyone have to do this to their car?

 

It should be a straight forward job. You'll need an O2 sensor socket, breaker bar and a can of PB Blaster. Heat the exhaust, shut off engine and spray sensor bung with a generous portion of Blaster. Let cool completely. Disconnect O2 sensor wire, slip socket onto sensor, snap breaker bar into socket and pull. If it doesn't break loose give it another Blaster treatment and try again. A good quality box end wrench with a piece of pipe slipped over it will also work if (for some reason) you can't get the socket on the sensor. You shouldn't need to disconnect the exhaust to do this job.

 

Admittedly, GM could have placed that O2 differently to avoid the added pain. I did it on my wife's '05 Impala (which has the same exact issues the Monte has). The problem I had is my cheap O2 socket is usually not very good at removal (it will expand around the split).
Along with spring with PB Blaster, I cut the cord off the old O2 as tight to it as I could, placed a regular deep well socket on it. I had to use a ratchet with a pipe on the end to both break it free and complete the removal (it was bonded pretty good). I only got one or two clicks on the ratchet. It took about an hour to remove and less then 15 minutes to install. New one threaded in by hand, used the O2 socket to tighten it, plugged it in and done.

 

Hey Guys well i think that for remove the O2 sensor when pipe is hot. You don't need anything to release it up.Thanks!!

 

Thanks for the replies.

Looks like I'm waisting time trying to remove this O2. More to the problem is a bad gas cap or charcoal cannister. Wherever that's located on the car?

I hope they aren't expensive?

 

Charcoal canister is right by the cap.