has anyone ever done it? I don't know why, but my knock sensor is pretty dead in the middle of the thing. I can barely see it with a flashlight! Anyone done it before?

 

lots ppl have done it, easy, just time consuming

 

It is much, much more hassle to take the manifolds and injectors off than it is to just reach in from the side.

It takes about 20 minutes tops if you go in from the side. It will take you about 3 hours, minimum, to get the manifolds on and off.

 

Ditto this. You'll just need a ratchet, a universal joint adapter & a 1' socket extension plus the appropriate size (forgot) socket.

With a little elbow grease, you'll have it out in no time flat.

 

True dat. Get a 1/4" drive socket (12mm) with universal joint built in and the 1/4" drive extension 12-14" long. The socket with joint built in is shorter than a u joint mated to a socket and avoids clearance/angle issues. The narrower diam 1/4" drive extension (vs 3/8") gives you a better angle on the bolt as well. Get a magnetic tipped retrieval tool for when you drop the bolt and a claw tool with flexible shaft to hold ks for easier reinstallation.

 

I did mine in about 5 -10 minutes but i dont have a fat hand

 

No need to take the manifold off. I used the instructions from here:

http://www.skippynet.com/maxima/knocksensor.htm

They came in very handy. My 9 year old son helped me put in the new KS. He has thin arms and got the thread started, I just covered all the sharp edges with rags so he would not get any cuts. Car felt great afterwards .