I've got a 96 Max with a bad knock sensor and I've read almost everypost on how to replace the sensor. Well i've given up. After days of trying different techniques. I'm willing to pay anyone who lives in Jackson,MS or New Orleans,LA to install it it for me. I've got the sensor and I'll come to whoever is willing to do it for me. I'd rather have someone who could do it without removing the manifold. I would bring it to the Nissan dealership here ,but I've been LIED to many times.

 

Have you tried the www.skippynet.com method yet? I was able to do it myself using this exact method. There is a green sensor that is in the path to the KS. I was able to bend that slightly out of my way in order to get my hand in there to rethread the KS. This green colored sensor sits on an aluminum bracket and has vaccum hoses coming off of it. Oh yeah I unplugged it too. Good luck!

 

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/507

have you tried that site yet? it has the most detailed instruction with pictures accompanied.

 

I tried both of those methods with no luck. I tried everyday for a week and I jusy gave up. I think my hands are too big to even get my hands in there.

 

I just changed mine and it literally took 15 minutes.

I think I used the skippy technique (both virtually similar) however I used a 1/4" to 3/8" conversion and used a 3/8" ratchet instead to get more torque to get the bolt off (definitely took some elbow grease to get that thing loose). Once I got it loose I used the telescoping magnet someone suggested and got the bolt out. Switched the KS and then put the KS back in with the help of the magnet. Then I put the bolt back on the end of the magnet and got it into the sensor. Then I connected the socket back and played around with it until I got the thread to bite.

Never had to stick my hand in there...wouldn't fit anyway.

I'd help you out but I'm in MD.

Good luck.

 

Don't give up. Once you know the technique, it is easy to change. No special skill is required. And replacing the knock sensor is not urgent so if you have the time, we can help you to get it done. Is your problem removing the old KS from the engine block or installing the new one?

 

use a long extension and a universal joint w/spring. Preferably, get the universal joint gadget that has 4 hinges instead of just 2. Does this make sense? A standard joint starts to suck past 45 degrees. Another suggestion would be to use a 90 degree elbow gadget coupled with a standard universal joint. Maybe a open-ended box wrench and long screw driver will work. Use your imagination. Torquing the new KS to factory spec might be a little more difficult.

 

My problem is removing the old knock sensor. I tried to use a universal joint adapter with the extension on the socket. The socket it self keeps slipping off. i think I might be stripping the bolt on the KS. Also like someone else said I can hardly get any torque. Those universal joint things suck. I had a clean angle once and still could not get it off. I was really outside everyday for a week trying to get it off until I gave up.

 

I used a 14 inch extension to get the rachet well out of the engine bay. Then I used a pipe on the handle of the rachet to get more leverage. I've done a few KS changes like this. Works like a charm. I really hope you haven't actually stripped the bolt. If you did your intake manifold may need to be taken off.. =(


-ZuM

 

Spray some penetrating oil on the bolt, let it soak in a few minutes.

 

My KS bolt was so tight, I could not have enough torque from the swivel socket to get it loose. I had to use a regular socket wrench to get it moving then use the swivel head to take it out. There is a hole on the engine block you can insert a screw driver in and wedge it against the wrench handle to get some leverage.