Electronic Parking Brake Motor

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor on the rear brake caliper assembly, requiring caliper removal, brake system precautions, and electronic parking brake service mode activation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake motor assembly × 1 — Motorcraft BRC-319 or equivalent
• EPB motor O-ring seal × 1 — Often included with motor assembly
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface. Place transmission in Park and release electronic parking brake.
2. Chock front wheels securely in both directions.
3. Connect IDS/FDRS scan tool and verify communication with parking brake control module.
4. Using scan tool, navigate to EPB service functions and activate SERVICE MODE. Verify EPB motors retract fully and service mode is active before proceeding.
5. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster or pump. Dispose of old fluid properly - do not reuse.
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground.
7. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight. Never work under vehicle supported only by jack.
8. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify EPB service mode activation
   Before touching any brake components, visually confirm the EPB motor actuator shaft is fully retracted into the caliper housing. The parking brake pads should be in the released position with visible gap between pad and rotor. If actuator is not retracted, DO NOT PROCEED - verify scan tool service mode is properly activated.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the caliper to the bracket. Do NOT remove the larger caliper bracket bolts at this time. Carefully lift caliper off rotor and brake pads. Support caliper weight with wire or caliper hanger - never let it hang by the brake hose as this will damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect EPB electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the EPB motor (typically on top or rear of caliper). Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the motor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage - clean if necessary.
4. 4

   Remove EPB motor assembly
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the EPB motor to the rear of the caliper housing. These are typically 8mm or 10mm head bolts. Remove both bolts completely and retain for inspection. Carefully pull the EPB motor assembly straight out from the caliper housing. The motor shaft engages with the caliper piston screw mechanism - it may require slight rotation while pulling to disengage.
   ⚠Motor housing may contain residual brake fluid. Keep catch pan underneath and avoid spilling on painted surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect caliper piston and motor mounting bore
   With motor removed, inspect the caliper piston screw mechanism for damage, excessive wear, or contamination. Rotate piston by hand - it should turn smoothly without binding. Inspect the motor mounting bore O-ring sealing surface for corrosion, scoring, or damage. Clean mounting surface with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth if minor contamination present. If piston binding or bore damage is found, caliper replacement is required.
   ℹ️Do not attempt to retract piston manually at this time. Piston position will be set during installation with scan tool commands.
6. 6

   Prepare new EPB motor
   Remove new EPB motor from packaging. Verify new O-ring seal is present on motor housing (replace if damaged or install new O-ring if provided separately). Lightly lubricate O-ring with fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid ONLY - never use silicone grease or petroleum products on O-ring. Verify motor actuator shaft rotates freely and is in retracted position matching service mode state.
7. 7

   Install new EPB motor
   Align the EPB motor shaft with the caliper piston screw mechanism. The motor shaft has a specific engagement profile - it will only insert when properly aligned. Insert motor into caliper bore while rotating shaft slowly if needed to engage splines. Push motor fully into bore until it seats against caliper housing. Install both mounting bolts and hand-tighten initially, then torque in cross pattern to specification.
   ⚠Do not force motor installation. If motor does not seat easily, remove and verify shaft alignment with piston mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the EPB motor. Ensure connector fully seats and locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is secure.
9. 9

   Verify EPB motor operation with scan tool
   With scan tool still connected and in EPB service mode, command EPB motor TEST function for the replaced motor. Motor should extend and retract smoothly without abnormal noise or binding. Verify scan tool shows no fault codes for EPB motor circuit. If motor does not operate correctly or faults are present, stop and diagnose issue before proceeding.
   ⚠Keep hands clear of caliper piston area during motor test operation.
10. 10

    Retract caliper piston
    Using scan tool EPB service functions, command piston to fully retract position to allow caliper installation over brake pads. Alternatively, if scan tool does not have this function while in service mode, use appropriate brake piston tool to carefully thread piston clockwise while pushing inward until fully retracted. Never use C-clamp alone on EPB calipers as piston must rotate while retracting.
    ℹ️EPB caliper pistons retract by rotating clockwise (when viewed from rear of caliper). Counter-clockwise rotation will damage piston mechanism.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Inspect brake pads for adequate thickness (minimum 3mm). If pads are worn, replace before continuing. Position caliper over brake rotor and pads, ensuring piston dust boot does not fold or damage. Align caliper with slide pin bolt holes in bracket. Clean slide pin bolts and apply fresh silicone brake grease to pin shafts (not threads). Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification in cross pattern.
    ⚠Ensure brake hose is not twisted or kinked during caliper installation.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Exit EPB service mode and verify system
    Using scan tool, EXIT service mode to return EPB system to normal operation. Scan tool will command EPB motors to perform self-calibration. During calibration, motors will extend and retract - this is normal. Clear any temporary DTCs that may have set during service mode. Verify no permanent fault codes are present in parking brake control module.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (tire supporting weight but vehicle still on jack stands). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern sequence. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Restore brake fluid level and bleed if necessary
    Check master cylinder reservoir fluid level and top off with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to MAX line. If brake caliper was opened or brake line disconnected (not typical for motor-only replacement), rear brake circuit must be bled per Ford service procedure. If only motor was replaced and hydraulic system remained closed, bleeding may not be required but pedal feel should be verified.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify no tools or parts remain in wheel well area
3. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is filled to proper level with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid
4. Double-check all torque specifications were met, especially caliper slide pin bolts and wheel lug nuts

Verification

• With engine off, press brake pedal firmly 10-15 times to ensure pedal is firm and consistent. Pedal should not sink or feel spongy. If pedal is soft, bleeding is required.
• With scan tool connected, verify no EPB fault codes are present and system status shows READY or NORMAL.
• Start engine and verify brake warning lights extinguish after initial bulb check.
• With engine running and vehicle in Park, apply electronic parking brake using dash switch. Verify EPB engages (indicator light illuminates) and motor operates smoothly without abnormal noise.
• Release electronic parking brake and verify release (indicator light off). Confirm vehicle can be pushed/rolled slightly when in Neutral (if safe to do so).
• Perform careful test drive in safe area at low speed. Test service brake function multiple times - pedal should be firm with normal stopping power.
• Test EPB function while stationary - apply and release parking brake 3-5 times and verify consistent operation.
• Perform final test of parking brake holding ability on slight incline - vehicle should remain stationary in Neutral with parking brake applied.
• After test drive, recheck brake fluid level and top off if needed. Inspect caliper area for any fluid leaks.
• If any abnormality is detected in brake operation, EPB function, or warning lights, DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. Diagnose and correct issue immediately or seek professional service.

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