Recommendations on how to remove camshaft sensor

[Bryders]

Hey all, first post here, long time reader. I’ve got an 07 Yukon xl Denali 6.2L v8 with 178k miles and have been getting P0011 codes. In the process of changing the camshaft position sensor. I’ve already got the protective cover off and undone the electrical pigtail. Now comes trying to get the old sesnsor out. What methods/tools/etc have you used to get this out? I’ve already looked on YouTube and there are some videos but none I’ve found show how they got the sensor out. I’ve not removed any other parts, pumps etc. and would prefer to keep it that way but if removing another part makes it significantly easier or more accessible than I would consider. Thanks in advance

 

[Bryders]

Sooooooo, pics kinda speak for themselves. Like first post says I got the protective bracket off the other day and was able to spin the sensor freely. It started to rain on me so I sprayed the sensor down and called it a day. Went back at it today and started by examining the new sensor and thought I had found a couple decent spots to try and pry at so I put a flathead between the sensor and timing cover and twisted. The sensor actually came out about 1/8” but not straight out, only the bottom half of the sensor came out. My pops was in town so I went and asked him to help thinking that it he pryed from the top while I did the same from the bottom the sensor might come out a little straighter or we would be able to rock it back and forth. That strategy worked a little bit and we were able to get the sensor out to about the o-ring but eventually I noticed the sensor breaking. So we kept going at it until the outside piece of the sensor was too weak to pry on any more and I pulled the piece off that had the bolt hole and plug socket (see pic). I had watched one video of a guy who ended up having to drill his sensor out after it had broke so that was my next move. Grabbed a drill and drilled a hole, not easy with the fan assembly in the way not allowing for a super straight hole so my hole ended up at an angle. Ended up putting a deck screw thru the hole with the intention of spinning the sensor to keep it free but then saw my pliers and started trying to pull it out. That was also tough since not enough room to get good leverage. My dad then asked if I had a pry bar we could use...this ended up being the ticket. He had initially grabbed my small 12” flat bar but I remembered that last Xmas I bought a 3-1/2’ or 4’ badass crowbar that I used to tear up my father in laws deck. Grabbed that mofo and we were able to pull the sensor out to about the halfway mark before it pulled the screw clear out of the sensor. Thought about using a larger screw but for whatever reason ended up drilling another hole and put the screw back in and was able to pry it the rest of the way out. I did end up scoring the hole (with either the drill bit or the screw) that the sensor goes into but I don the think it was too terrible (obviously not ideal, so try to get you hole drilled straight and in the center of the sensor to prevent scoring the side of the hole) so we just oiled up the o ring on new sensor and slapped it back in. Started her up like 3 times and no more light (for now). Now it’s time to throw this piece of garbage for sale up on CL and let someone else deal with the headaches. I’m over all the check engine lights

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

Brett........to the forum, persistence in your situation paid off. Not sure how it should come out, but in your case it worked, good luck.

David g...............

 

[olyelr]

Good diy info for the older gen gm’s. You should post this up in the correct area so anyone searching about issues like this may be able to find it easier.

Great job!

 

[LanceD]

How was the engine driving before? I have this code along with 15 psi at idle and it feels like a little rough idle