Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: oxygen sensors, inner tie rods, oxygen sensors

Question
What all kind problems will an oxygen sensors do? my car is making a thump sound when driving down the freeway. but not all the time. i change most the sensors out. it has a very slowly take off sometime but once it get going i don't have that problem again until start goes uphill. I had a 1989 ninety-eight olds with a 3.8 engine.

Answer
hi nina well as far as the thump no o2 sensor has nothing to do with that but the slow take off possible.but you did not say if you have a check eng or serv engine soon light on.first turn your key on don,t start eng make sure the orange lamp service eng or check eng is working if it is start the engine if the light goes off you have no sensor prob.although it never hurts to have new sensors for prevenitive maint.it will not fix any probs if you have no check eng light.the noise you hear going down the highway could be several things  first harmonic bal pulley may be bad this is the pulley your belts run on it is bolted to the crankshaft..an easy way to check this is  with eng off and keys removed from the ignition.open the hoodthe belt will be on pass side of eng.grab a firm hold on belt try and turn it back and forth as the eng would be turning them if belt moves either way .bal wheel needs replaced.another common prob is bad inner tie rods they will make a noise while driveing.if you suspect them have a front end inspection done and request that the tech check the inner tie rods .eliminatre these possibilities and we will go further if we need too    billy mac