I can't get the stupid stock ebrake boot off of my 2004 Max. I need to adjust the nut and want to take off the boot to do it since I don't have a deep hex drive, so I'm using a wrench. That's not the point though. I want the thing off. I removed the plastic piece on the base that covers the hole, and then I tried pulling up on the rubber handle, but it seems like the aluminum ring around the fake chrome button is keeping it in there. So, based on another thread, I tried removing the ring with a flathead, and it came up about an inch then got caught on something, I can't tell what, so at this point, like an idiot, I tried to brute force it out with some vise grips, which just bent it out of shape enough for it to block the lever release button. So, I don't want to f*** it up even more. I'm ready to bust out the blowtorch because I hate running into crap like this. You'd think it would be failry straightforward. Thoughts? I searched the forum up and down but I only find threads with people showing off their sweet a** ebrake handles, which doesn't make me feel any better seeing my mangled one that won't come off. Thanks.

 

so any advice where I could find this answer? Should I look elsewhere? I see a ton of people with aftermarket ebrake handles. Maybe I should start PM'ing people. Thoughts?

 

what am I doing wrong? anyone? I cut my finger because the ring is destroyed...