1995 Toyota Avalon Exhaust System

1995 TOYOTA AVALON
117,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AHIKODI
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Hello,

My 1995 Toyota Avalon, according to my mechanic needs a front pipe and a rear oxygen sensor. There is some part of the front pipe that has come apart due to rusting and my mechanic says the entire pipe (system) has to be replaced. The cost estimate is at 1600.00 including labor. He says that for vehicles that are 96 and newer, you cannot use an After market part because that will cause the check engine light to come back on. But since I have a 95 model, it can probably be tried out as a cheaper option in my case. The oxygen sensor he say would cost about 200 bucks including labor ($80/hr). What are my options here? Does the whole pipe have to be replaced? Is the price quote valid? Any help would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2009 at 10:31 AM
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JAMES W.
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The very best advise I can give you at this point is; find a different mechanic!!!. A 1995 Toyota Avalon with 117K miles is barely worth $1600. You definatly need to get a second opinion.
Apr 8, 2009 at 10:45 AM
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ROTHMILA
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I just replaced the 'front pipe with cat' on my 2000 avalon - the pipe with gaskets cost $289 usd, shipping cost $30.

Just find someone with a hoist and they should be able to install it relatively easily.
Oct 2, 2009 at 9:21 AM
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AVALON1995
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What are the torque specs for the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors?
Aug 21, 2021 at 6:10 AM
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SQM
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Hello,

The torque specs on the oxygen sensors:
Sensor torque : 44 Nm (31 ft.lb)

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-oxygen-sensor

Let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
Aug 21, 2021 at 8:28 AM
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AVALON1995
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Thank you very much for all the info you supplied. I'm having a major dilemma removing the downstream oxygen sensor. After repeated attempts to remove it with an oxygen sensor tool/wrench, it became totally rounded off and is extremely seized as well. Attached are pictures of its current condition. Can you recommend any strategy or method to successfully remove the O2 sensor?

Thank you!

Cheers!

Aug 21, 2021 at 11:21 AM
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SQM
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Have you tried to heat up the pipe and use a vice grip to loosen it?
That might be the last option besides cutting the pipe off on both side of the oxygen sensor port and install a new adapter (see picture for reference).
Aug 21, 2021 at 11:31 AM
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AVALON1995
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I have tried a vice grip and a pipe wrench, but it didn't work out. Applying heat is going to be my next attempt. Would applying heat make a major impact in removing the O2 sensor?

Aug 21, 2021 at 12:21 PM
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SQM
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Applying heat is about the last option if you were to remove. Just be careful when you attempt that. And you want to heat up the pipe and the thread on the pipe, not the O2 sensor that is left in there.
Aug 21, 2021 at 1:12 PM
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AVALON1995
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For how long should I apply heat?
Aug 21, 2021 at 1:26 PM
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SQM
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Not very long. It will depend on how you are applying. If you are using a torch it will require much less time than a lighter. Idea is that you want to heat up the surface enough to remove the plug. First try applying for several seconds then try to remove it. Often taping the surrounding area with a hammer can loosen the thread do to vibration.

Here is a helpful video:
https://youtu.be/WTOdk41J2DM
Aug 21, 2021 at 2:48 PM