Adjusting 07 Uplander parking brake

[Slopknit]

I recently installed 2 new rear calipers on my 2007 Uplander LS, however I was only able to get the parking brake cable clipped into the bracket on one of the calipers. On the other side (rear driver side) the parking brake cable won't reach far enough to get it clipped in. So I jacked up the van in the rear and tried to use the adjustor for the parking brake... but it's so rusted on even wd40 and 2 vice grips won't loosen it. Should I just cut the cable and install a new one? If so how difficult is it to do?

[Blue Bowtie]

Welcome Aboard!

First, WD40 might be pretty good as a rust preventive coating (its original purpose) but it fails as a penetrating oil, despite its advertisement. Kroil, B'Laster, and other purpose-made penetrating oils will do much better.

Second, Vise-Grips are handy as welding clamps, but not so great as pliers since their jaws are relatively soft. Get real pliers. Try something like Chan-Nel-Lock 410s.

If you can safely heat the nuts on the threaded adjustment knob it may help to loosen the bond.

Failing that, cutting out the cable may be the last resort, but expect to find more rusted fasteners and clips along the way. The interior parts may not be as difficult, but underbody parts will challenge you.

After its all finished, you might consider using the parking brake routinely. That helps keep it free and prevents this kind of problem.