I have a 1997 xk8, the engine code is saying knock censor, I do know there are two right and left bank, the question is is it easy to repair it your self and should I replace both at the same time.
Thanks guys.

 

SYB, you can disconnect the plug at the thermostat and tie a string to it. You can just get a socket on the sensor and needle nose will get it out of there. Install the same way, a bit tedious but do able.
I have done a couple of towers and they were leaking, so anti freeze ran down the valley and the bottom of the sensor, being the ground connection, I cleaned the bottom with lite sandpaper and reinstalled without taking them all the way out. Cleared codes and that solved the issue. Odd they both went at the same time, so it may be as I described.

 

Thanks for your reply, aren't the knock censor right underneath the manifold intake?

 

It is under the intake manifold, but if you look carefully you can see them between the intake runners.

 

Ok thanks for the info, some members where talking about removing the whole throttle body etc, but I was thinking your way to slide a socked with a cut out for the wire to remove them.
I will give it a try.
Cheers.

 

Syb,
This might be an opportunity to address the valley hoses unless they've been done recently?

 

Yes I did read that these hoses have a leak problem, . Thank you for reminding.

 

+1 to michaelh's suggestion.

If the knock sensors are bad, it's probably easier to get the intake manifold off for access and you can have a good look around. Fairly simple job, although you need to move the fuel rails. I did this when I first had the car years ago, to check the fuel injectors. Access will then be easy and you can inspect the valley hoses. Beware the small plastic PCV part breather hose, it'll be brittle.

From my limited experience with knock sensors, they are very durable, and only tend to go bad if the car was standing alot and isn't driven much. More likely it's the wiring to the sensors.