This may be a strange post, but anyone ever have trouble getting to the Crankshaft Position Sensor? I know someone else has probably found a neat trick for this. I am a big guy and fitting may arms in to get to this sucker has been a challenge. I am also not really sure how I will get the new bolts in.

I have a 2001 Cherokee sport 4x4

Thanks,

 

You need long extentions or multiples. do it from the bottom.

 

It's not as hard as it looks if you do like shawn said.

 

Thanks Shawn. Will do it today.

 

I don't think I swore that much at my jeep ever before changing that out in the parking lot at work. Could only get 1/8th turns with my fingertips at a time until I had to rest my arms and back to try it again

 

Check this write up.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/je...-sensor-17310/

 

Yea it is a pain if you don't have the tools

 

I had a friend with long skinny arms get to the bolts with a pivoting ratchet bit

I spotted from the engine bay

 

Yes it is! But I had it even worse. When I was changing mine out I had all the right tools and easy access. I started to unscrew the fist one not a problem. Then it happened the bolt snapped. So I figured it was going to take me much longer to do the job since now I had to try to get the broken bolt out. When taking the second one out, It happened again. The second one snapped too. So $600 later it was finally was changed out by a mechanic. I had to have him pull the trans and take care of it.

 

I heard that! Dang

 

This might help...someone!

Change a CPS. A jack-stand under the left frame might be in your way. BACKING the front onto ramps is an option. Sometimes when I lift a vehicle, I see if I can push it off it's “lift” before I go underneath. You lay on your back with your feet out under the passenger side. With your LEFT hand you can reach up past the front drive-line to hold the CPS. (if your forearm is smaller than a quart mason jar)(if not maybe pull the drive-line). It's 7/16-or 11mm bolts on the older Jeeps. You want 11mm. or 7/16 socket,> 3 inch extension,> swivel,> then 18 to 24 inches of extension to your RIGHT hand , down on the ratchet by the tranny cross member. If there is a plastic deal there, can it. DON'T drop a bolt in there! (just don't!!!). When you are starting out, if you tie a long string, 5ive feet, to the old plug, you can then use that to haul the new one back up.
If your wires go through a metal band secured by an engine to bell housing bolt, cut them. To finish, zip tie, or make darn sure the wires won't rub/chafe or burn on anything. The second one is a relative piece if cake! (½ hr job!)

 

My method was to put a jack under the transfer case remove the tranny bracket and driveline then lower the tranny to get a good go at it. about an extra 30min but well worth it.

 

Changed mine a few months ago. best way i found to get at it, from underneath and lots of extensions and a pivot joint.

 

I used 2 10" extensions and a pivot joint and when I broke it loose, I could just get my left arm to it if i went a little farther under the jeep. Also once I was under that far I could just get my right arm up a little to come at it from the other side with just my finger tips to help turn it. It wasn't nearly as bad to put back, but if yours has a dust cover with it be careful not to drop it inside.

 

Take the extra 15mns and remove the front drive shaft. IMHO, this then makes this a 1hr job tops. ( your actual time obviously may vary! )

Good Luck.