How do I access 27mm nut when removing steering wheel ?
 

I've read many links on this topic, and they all say the same thing:
1) Remove horn pad. Then unclip wire.
2) Remove 27mm nut
3) Remove circlip.
4) Mark steering wheel
5) Remove

I removed the horn pad, but I'm stuck on step #2. The 27mm nut is deep in a recessed cavity. My 27mm socket won't fit inside the cavity. Even if it did, it would not seat flush onto the nut, b/c the nut is not directly behind the opening. Can someone please tell me what I am overlooking?

http://i57.tinypic.com/69e4p0.jpg

You don't have an extension?
I put the nut on a 6 in extension then attach to air wrench..zip zip....off.

Go to Sears buy their 27mm socket it will go right in with no problem.

Or a snap on, they are thin walled and strong.
Sorry, missed the real issue.

That's too bad none of the 911 wheel removal write ups ever mention needing a thin walled 27mm.
I'll look around for one.

While we're discussing "minor" details, 27mm with a straight extension would be totally blocked by the plate above the cavity opening.
The nut is significantly offset from the opening, and is partially blocked by the plate.
I'm assuming this also requires using a wobble extension or u-joint as well?

I bought my socket at Lowe's (Kobalt brand). The 6" 1/2" drive straight extension will fit--it might be at a slight angle, but it'll go in. The socket does precisely fit into that half-moon hole. Just did this (again) over the weekend.

Beware of overthinking
 

You are facing the exact FALSE conundrum that I faced when looking at this. As Reiver and Cattler pointed out, there's plenty of room in there for even a standard 27 mm socket when it's mounted on an extension.
Think in three dimensions, you're only thinking in two.

I have no idea what you're trying to say.
My 27mm socket has absolutely no possible way to pass the plane of the opening, so adding an extension behind the socket is irrelevant.

Photos to make this more clear:

http://i61.tinypic.com/29z249f.jpg

And here is the offset which will probably require a wobble or swivel u-joint extension
Straight extension bar is risking stripping the nut b/c the socket will only be partially seated.
http://i62.tinypic.com/14dhrpt.jpg

Get yourself a basic cheap 27mm short socket, it's the only thing you'll use it for, so it can be the local harbor freight special, doesn't need to be quality. !/2 inch drive, and a 6 inch extension.
The long thick impact socket is your problem.

Don't use a deep well socket, just a normal sized one and it should fit.

Or dump a buttload of money on one of these:
27mm Oil Socket - Way Motor Works
27mm ultra shorty socket, 3/8 drive so the extension will fit just fine.

Also, order yourself a Momo L231 hub adapter and any Momo steering wheel and never have this problem again ;)

your socxket is and HFT Pittsburgh deep impact socket.

You need something like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1413348387.jpg

This. A cheap 27mm short socket is all you need.

That is the same problem with the pulley on the alternator. A long socket will not work.

What's with the impact socket?

+1 on getting a Momo while you are in there. :D

+1

The local harbor freight special is actually what I am using. I will look again for a short socket to put in sideways.

If you're lucky enough to have a toolkit, it comes with the right tool for the alternator fan nut...

Yep short non-impact socket is the key. And don't pay extra for a 27mm because it's metric. Get an SAE/English size socket. 1-1/16 fits just fine.

that is what I said....HFT Harbor Freight tools