Issues removing spark plug wire

[jeffcojd]

Hi guys, this is my first post here and let me first say this site is incredible and I want to say thanks to everyone for sharing all this extremely useful knowledge!!

I have a 2003 Escalade and I'm trying to replace the spark plugs and wires. I've done this in the past quite often on other vehicles, but for some reason getting the wires off the spark plug is kicking my butt! I've feel like there is something I'm either missing or doing wrong. I went and bought a spark plug wire remover tool and still couldn't get it off. I actually broke the rubber piece off the current wire trying to pull it off.

Does anyone happen to know what I may be doing wrong?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[ZaC851]

dont pull on the wire itself. grab the metal part. I just replaced mine about 2 weeks ago and I have to agree it was by far the hardest plugs I ever had to take off. I ended up getting a pair of channel locks and getting them off. Don't sqeeze to hard or you will crush the metal part. Its very soft and thin. Not much else to say other than take your time.

[jeffcojd]

ZaC, thanks so much for your quick reply, so the metal part also comes off? I've been pulling strictly on the rubber this whole time

[ZaC851]

Originally Posted by jeffcojd

ZaC, thanks so much for your quick reply, so the metal part also comes off? I've been pulling strictly on the rubber this whole time

yea definitely don't pull on just the wire itself. The whole thing comes off. Mine was a 2002 and I dont think they ever came off before. Just took some pulling.

[Patrick7997]

Yes, that is correct, the metal part comes off with the rubber part....

The only thing that worked for me was to pull real hard.

I did tear a couple wires up, getting them off... so if you're planning to do just the spark plugs, rethink that plan and get a new set of wires right away too....

I did mine a couple months ago... this is a tough job. Way tougher than a Northstar Plugs & wires....

[jeffcojd]

Thanks for the feedback Patrick and ZaC, REALLY helpful, I will go ahead and give it another shot today.

God bless and have a great day!

[jeffcojd]

Ok, thanks everyone for the help!! To anyone that this post may help, I recommend using vice grips and lock it tight on there and then pry it off. This definitely wasn't easy and not sure I will do it again, but I definitely have some great self satisfaction out of it!!

Again thanks guys for the help and hopefully this helps someone else!!

Take care!

[Guyz1996deville]

Food for thought. Use a little dielectric grease on the boot before you put on the new one. If will make it so much easier for the next change....