I have a quick release backrest bracket for my wife's back rest that will not come off.
The cams that are attached to the rear mounts are loose and are showing that they are willing to come off, but the front mounts the fork lookin' ones will not come off.

I'm thinking that I'll have to take off the bags, and WD-40 them to make them to where they will co-operate, or maybe get a bigger hammer, LOLOL!!. Thoughts?

 

The back mounts should pivot up if their disengaged and then just pull back to release the front mounts.

 

Even the rears do not want to seem to pivot up w/the cams released. They are that tight.

 

They're probably just dry. A little WD-40 and a sharp tug ought to do it. As the actress said to the bishop...

 

"Spit on it?" lol
Sometimes I have to slap mine to get it off (backrest)

 

Stupid question but you did try to pivot the brackets towards you after disengaging the cams, right??

 

I use a little spray silicone on them and that makes them free up easier.

 

Yep, tried to move them in any direction, and they fought me tooth and nail..

 

Try the silicone spray on them. Less messy then the WD-40 in my experiences.

 

As you turn black latches, pull up,or push rack forward towards front of bike.Try one side at a time. There should be some flexibility but not much.A little patience goes a long way in this operation as you dont want to break the latch.... Good Luck....