Replacing cat conv

I'm replacing my cat conv with a hyperflow and I wanted to know the easiest way to remove the oxygen sensor without damaging it as it is very expensive to replace. I'd like to remove it on on the benchtop vs. under the car but I'm not sure that's possible without a lot of other removal. Is it relatively easy to remove it away from the cat and then remove it from the cat after the cat is removed? I have heard you have to be very careful with it as not to damage or cut it's life short. It seems like with it's position and the shield around it that it would be difficult to remove from the cat.

Jeff

 

Thanks, that helps a lot.

Jeff

 

I figured from the responses I'd have no problem locating and unplugging the O2 sensor. Now I'm confused. Right of airbox? At the rear, right of airbox is nothing. Left of airbox(from the rear) against the firewall between the rear luggage compartment and the engine there is a blue plug connection between the airbox and the fuel injection and a black plug to the left of the fuel injection(closer to the center). Where is the connection? Is it easily disconnected to the cat? Thanks.

Jeff

 

Ok, I've got the exhaust off and I see now it makes more sense to remove it from the cat from under the car. The shield does pop off so easy to get to now. Hopefully its not stuck and will unscrew easily, I'll do it tommorow, out of time today.

My problem is getting the cat temp sensor out of the cat itself. No problem unscrewing the connector but I can't seem to pull it out of the cat, I guess stuck because of the corrosion. It should pull right out at this point, correct? I'm concerned I might damage it pulling too hard on it, are they fragile like the O2 sensor? I sprayed it with some penetrating lube and we'll see if it comes out tommorow. Am I missing something here?

There was talk in other threads about the slow down light coming on not because of the cats overheating but because the sensor has gone bad. I'm thinking if the part is easy to get and install and not ridiculously expensive, maybe it would be best to replace it at this time. What's involved in installing it, can the wire be cut and reattached or do I need to replace it's entire lenth back to the next connector? I notice it's got a special sheath on it so maybe splicing to it is a mistake.

JJAY911(Jeff), thanks for your offer to help with this project. I'd take you up on it but I'm having to do a little at a time, too many home improvement projects in progress as well.

Jeff