Rock2000

I had a broken exhaust front pipe on my 2003 TT 225, so I replaced it with a pipe from RockAuto. Then I immediately started getting a code P0130 (front O2 sensor). I could have possibly bent the sensor wire too much during my work, so I got a replacement, but same error. I borrowed a friend's scanner (not Volkswagen specific) and noticed that O2 sensor EQ_RAT and O2S readings are pegged when the engine is at some moderate RPM and i snap the throttle shut. It's pegged at about 1.999 and 3.2222, until it hits idle. I assume these are the readings that cause the problem.

One thing I noticed of concern is that the sensor hole on the new pipe seems to be thicker than on the original pipe (hard to tell now that its in the car, but I'm pretty sure). Not sure if that would throw things off, if the sensor wasn't reaching down far enough into the airflow. Seems plausible, but strange to me that it only seems to really affect it during a drop to idle. I put the original O2 sensor back in and it looks alive (I get similar readings), so I don't expect the sensors are broken at this point.

Anyone have any insights? Boy I don't want to replace that pipe again. Would the VAG sensor have much more details?

Thanks
Rock