How in the hell are you all removing these sensors when switching out your exhaust. Spent the last 2 nights fighting them. I have the correct socket, have soaked them in pb blaster, and even put a little heat to them. Can't get them to break free for nothing. Both nights i've had to reassemble the factory exhaust and go home. Any tips or pointers?

 

I used an impact to break it free... exhaust bolts/nuts are the worst.

 

My secondary O2 came out pretty easy with the right socket. I guess I was lucky? Idk about the primaries yet though lol.

 

Breaker bar?

 

Yup, leverage plays a big role. I took mine out lying on my back under the car and pushed the ratchet handle using my foot. Just make sure you got the socket is seated perfectly on the sensor otherwise you risk round the edges. That's never a good thing. I have also used a jack to push up on the ratchet handle in other applications where I needed to put a lot of torque to remove a bolt. Don't forget to clean the threads after and put anti seize compound for the next time you need to pull them out.

 

This is spot on.

 

Be prepared to break one, luckily for me that I didnt happen.

 

going to try again this Wednesday. I bought some o2 sensors in case they get messed up. Any tips on how to find out where they plug in, under the carpet.

 

​​​​On the inside driver side or passenger side, just push on the carpet and pull down where the shifter is.You will see it.

 

 

Is it necessary to remove the passenger seat and the carpet in order to remove and replace the passenger side secondary O2 sensor or can it be done with the shortcut method as you described?

I'm currently getting a P0138 code (Bank 1 Sensor 2 high voltage) and I was planning on following the instructions provided on this 2IS DIY thread (which involves removing the seat and carpet for easier access to the connector):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ensor-2-a.html

 

Thanks for all the help and the recommendations. Got the Borla put on last night, passenger side sensor came out with the impact, driver side did not. It seems that there may have been a small leak at some point prior to me owning the car, and someone welded it shut. I have pictures to show the differences. I will post to see what you all think.

 

No need to remove the seat, carpet came down and I was able to see them. Just move the seat all the way back. I don't have pictures unfortunately. :/

 

here are the photos