Front driveshaft hits O2 sensor

[luby]

2004 LJ. 4.0L Auto
Replaced exhaust system last year everything fit well.
Last month the CEL said Bank2 Sensor2.
After inspection the front drive shaft had worn off the end of the O2 sensor
where the wires come out.
I tried putting a 90 degree elbow with a new sensor but still getting CEL.
Am guessing that the O2 sensor wont work if installed with a 90 degree elbow?
Anybody have a better suggestion?
Am thinking that the after market exhaust system seems to have the O2 bung welded in a bad place
because the old system didn't have that problem.

 

[JDS123]

Post up a photo of your down pipe where it bends around the oil pan. It is possible to bolt up a downpipe from an XJ (or other similar 4.0). It isn't as tight to the oil pan and hits the front driveshaft. An OEM downpipe it tight enough to the oil pan to not cause issues.

With that said though, I know my 02 sensors aren't in the area that would contact the front driveshaft. What downpipe did you install? Seems like you are right in thinking the bung is in the wrong spot.

 

[luby]

Post up a photo of your down pipe where it bends around the oil pan. It is possible to bolt up a downpipe from an XJ (or other similar 4.0). It isn't as tight to the oil pan and hits the front driveshaft. An OEM downpipe it tight enough to the oil pan to not cause issues.

With that said though, I know my 02 sensors aren't in the area that would contact the front driveshaft. What downpipe did you install? Seems like you are right in thinking the bung is in the wrong spot.

I only have photos of the O2 installed with the 90 degree elbow. The elbow keeps the sensor away from the drive shaft. But I guess the O2 sensor wont work correctly with the elbow....or so it seems because the CEL still comes on after while.

 

[Chris]

Can you put a bolt in that bung and drill and install a new bung somewhere else where the driveshaft won't hit it? That's what I'd do.

 

[luby]

Can you put a bolt in that bung and drill and install a new bung somewhere else where the driveshaft won't hit it? That's what I'd do.

That would definitely be the best way me thinks. I haven't had much luck welding thin tubing.
Tend to blow holes in it all the time.
But I do envy you guys that can do that stuff.
What about trying to bend the existing bung away from the driveshaft a bit?
I do have an acetylene torch. Maybe I could heat the pipe up enough to make a slight bend?
What do you think?

 

[Chris]

That would definitely be the best way me thinks. I haven't had much luck welding thin tubing.
Tend to blow holes in it all the time.
But I do envy you guys that can do that stuff.
What about trying to bend the existing bung away from the driveshaft a bit?
I do have an acetylene torch. Maybe I could heat the pipe up enough to make a slight bend?
What do you think?

Yes, your idea might work as well. I don’t actually know how to weld, so if I were to do something like this I would bring it to an exhaust shop who could no doubt do it.

 

[luby]

Can you put a bolt in that bung and drill and install a new bung somewhere else where the driveshaft won't hit it? That's what I'd do.

90 Degree Oxygen Sensor Catalytic Converter M18 x 1.5 Stainless Oxygen sensor Mini Socket​

Also found this on Amazon. It claims to take care of the CEL problem.
But I don't know if that would be good for engine.

 

[luby]

Can you put a bolt in that bung and drill and install a new bung somewhere else where the driveshaft won't hit it? That's what I'd do.

At this point my plan is to get a M18x1.5 bolt...screw in to O2 sensor bung and smack it with a sledge. Hopefully can get just enough offset to miss the drive shaft

 

[Chris]

At this point my plan is to get a M18x1.5 bolt...screw in to O2 sensor bung and smack it with a sledge. Hopefully can get just enough offset to miss the drive shaft

That should work. Let us know how it goes

 

[AndyG]

I'd have a shop cut that section out and rotate it til it clears .