problems with e-brake cable removal

[xray]

Hey everyone....

Spent the better part of yesterday working on the undercarriage, with about an hour devoted to getting the ^%$& e-brake system removed. For the life of me I can't get these two spring clips off to allow the cable to come free. It's a little too narrow to get leverage from the side, and too high to get an angle from above. Naturally, Humble's book and the FSM don't mention any tips--has anyone run ito this? Any tips? Something obvious I've missed?

Thanks,

Steve

[First Gen Z]

Steve, squirt a little WD40 or whatever on them and grab them with a pair of channel locks. You can use the curved part of the jaws for leverage.

[Robin]

I agree, looks like you need a little pb blaster in there, also you could try placing a prying tool (screw driver) at the corner of the "housing" across to the clip and try to move (rotate) the clip, just so that it breaks its grip to the housing, then should be able to pull that puppy out.

[ncz]

Steve, those things are a pain. I did the same as Skip and after a couple of attempts they started to move, then I got to the point of it will come off or I will break it!!! They finally gave up

[xray]

Thanks, guys...That pic is actually about 6months old (the dirt and grime have been removed). My problem, I guess, is leverage. Tried the screwdriver/mini pry bar method, tried the vise-grips (tips are too big--even the needle nose ones)--I just can't get enough bite to move it out. Any other tool options?

Well, it's cold and rainy and the wife and kiddies are gone, so I've got all day to get his done....

[Ed]

Use the claw end of your hammer with a small block of wood.

[mdbrandy]

On most of those clips around the car, I use a slide hammer . Kind of overkill, but I have a hook attachment for the end of the slide hammer. Just hook it on the lip of the clip, slide the hammer, and the clips come flying off! Just watch where they go....

[a7dz]

Don't waste your time with WD 40 go straight to PB Blaster. And as Mark said above use a slide hammer. Never realized how often I would use a slide hammer until I got off the wallet and bought one.

[xray]

Ed: Great suggestion! I used the claw end of the hammer and it pulled off no problem...Thanks!

Steve