This procedure covers removal and replacement of the parking brake cables on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including rear cable routing and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (specify left or right rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification - BC3Z-2A635-A (LH) or BC3Z-2A635-B (RH)
• Cable retaining clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Equalizer nut (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and place transmission in Park
2. Apply wheel chocks to front wheels
3. Ensure parking brake pedal/lever is fully released
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rail locations - verify stability before proceeding
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Spray all cable mounting brackets and equalizer hardware with penetrating lubricant - allow 15 minutes soak time

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and disconnect cable at equalizer
   Locate the parking brake cable equalizer assembly beneath the vehicle, typically positioned forward of the rear axle near the frame crossmember. Note the current cable routing and any clips along the frame. Using pliers, compress the cable conduit locking tabs at the equalizer bracket to release the cable end from the bracket. Loosen the equalizer nut using appropriate socket - do not remove completely yet. Disconnect the cable end from the equalizer mechanism by sliding it out of the adjustment fork.
2. 2

   Remove cable brackets along frame routing
   Working from the equalizer toward the rear wheel, locate all cable bracket mounting points along the frame rail. The 2011-2014 F-150 typically has 3-4 bracket locations per cable. Remove cable bracket bolts at each location. Note the exact position and orientation of each bracket for reinstallation. If brackets are corroded to the cable conduit, use wire brush to clean before attempting separation.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect cable at rear brake assembly
   At the rear wheel hub, locate where the parking brake cable connects to the rear brake caliper parking brake actuator lever (integrated parking brake system on EcoBoost 4WD models). Using pliers, remove the cable retaining clip from the actuator lever. Disconnect the cable end from the lever - you may need to rotate the lever slightly to release tension. Remove the cable conduit from the backing plate or frame bracket by compressing retaining tabs.
   ⚠Do not force the cable off the actuator lever - corrosion may require additional penetrating lubricant and gentle prying with a small screwdriver.
4. 4

   Remove cable from frame channels
   Carefully pull the cable assembly through any frame channel routing points, working from rear to front. The cable passes through specific frame openings - note these locations for reinstallation. If cable is seized in frame channels due to corrosion, apply additional penetrating lubricant and use gentle twisting motion while pulling. Inspect frame grommets and replace if damaged or missing.
5. 5

   Prepare and route new cable assembly
   Compare new cable to old cable to verify correct length and end fittings. Apply light coating of anti-seize compound to cable conduit where it passes through frame brackets (avoid getting compound on actual cable wire). Begin routing new cable from rear brake assembly forward, following exact path of original cable through frame channels and openings. Ensure cable is not twisted and routing avoids any sharp edges or heat sources (exhaust components).
6. 6

   Connect cable at rear brake assembly
   Insert cable conduit into backing plate or frame bracket until retaining tabs fully engage - you should hear/feel a positive click. Connect cable end to parking brake actuator lever on the caliper, ensuring it seats fully in the lever slot. Install new retaining clip to secure cable to lever. Verify cable end cannot be pulled free from lever with moderate hand force.
7. 7

   Install cable brackets along frame
   Working from rear to front, position each cable bracket at its original location on the frame rail. Ensure cable conduit seats properly in bracket groove before installing bolts. Install and torque all cable bracket bolts to specification in sequence from rear to front. Verify cable has proper support at each bracket location without excessive slack between brackets.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect cable to equalizer assembly
   Route cable end through equalizer bracket and compress conduit retaining tabs until they lock into bracket. Insert cable end into the equalizer adjustment fork, ensuring it seats completely in the fork slot. Thread equalizer nut onto adjustment rod but do not tighten yet - leave slack for adjustment in next step.
9. 9

   Adjust parking brake cable tension
   With cable connected but equalizer nut loose, verify parking brake pedal/lever is in fully released position. Tighten equalizer nut while monitoring cable tension - cable should be snug but not tight with brake released. As a preliminary adjustment, tighten equalizer nut until slight drag is felt when rotating the rear wheel by hand, then back off nut 1/4 turn. Torque equalizer nut to specification. Final adjustment will be verified after reinstallation.
   ⚠Over-tightening the equalizer will cause rear brake drag, premature wear, and potential brake overheating. Under-tightening will result in inadequate parking brake holding force.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheels. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification with vehicle weight on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable brackets are securely fastened and cables have proper support along entire length
2. Confirm no cable interference with suspension components, exhaust, or driveline through full suspension travel
3. Check that cable routing matches original path and all frame grommets are properly seated

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in Park, release parking brake and verify rear wheels rotate freely with no drag
• Apply parking brake pedal/lever - it should engage with firm resistance within 4-6 clicks (pedal) or proper lever travel per specifications
• With parking brake applied, attempt to push vehicle - it should not roll on level ground
• Test on incline if safe to do so - vehicle should remain stationary with parking brake applied and transmission in Neutral (engine running, foot off service brake)
• Release parking brake and verify complete release - no residual drag when rotating wheels by hand
• If brake drag is present with parking brake released, loosen equalizer nut 1/4 turn and retest
• If parking brake does not hold vehicle on incline, tighten equalizer nut 1/4 turn and retest - never exceed specification torque
• Road test vehicle at low speed in safe area, verifying normal brake operation and no parking brake drag
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-verify parking brake adjustment and holding capability

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