Oxygen sensor removal
 

How does one disconect the wires running to the oxygen sensor before unscrewing it from the catalytic converter?

What year car? There is a plug in the engine compartment unplug it and pull the wire clear

87 Carrerra. There is a disconnect in the engine compartment, but the wires are immobilized by a grommet (?) in the wall between the engine and the wheel well that would preclude the wires from turning freely.

You don't... Unless you are replacing the sensor and in that case just cut the wires. There is a tool you can buy - it has a slit cut in it. Our host sells them.

Yes...you can use a socket designed for this pupose. It allows the wire to be in place when you secure the socket.
If you have to replace the sensor you can cut and pull the connector and sensor and replace with a new OEM unit. If you want to save some $$$ buy a generic and use the supplied splice to utilize the original connector with the new sensor.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...CLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Pull the grommet to allow the sensor to turn. I sliced mine from each hole to the outer edge and re-used it with a new sensor. You can place the new wires into the old grommet by pushing them through the slices, and then just re-install the grommet after you've tightened up the new sensor.

Or just pull the plug slide the wires out of the hole and use a boxend wrench to loosen the sensor

Thanks much for the input!! Tab's solution worked; there's plenty of room for a box wrench, at least in this '87...................