This procedure replaces the parking brake cable(s) on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD, restoring proper parking brake operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable (left or right rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place wheel chocks securely in front of both front wheels
2. Ensure parking brake pedal/lever is fully released and in OFF position
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved rear axle lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned at frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Apply penetrating lubricant to all visible cable bracket bolts and allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate
8. Identify which cable(s) require replacement (left, right, or both) by inspecting for fraying, corrosion, or seizure

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake cable tension
   From underneath the vehicle near the transmission tunnel, locate the parking brake cable equalizer assembly. Using a combination wrench, loosen the equalizer nut completely to remove all tension from the cable system. Note the initial position and number of threads exposed for reference during reassembly, though final adjustment will be performed later.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from rear brake caliper
   At the affected rear wheel, locate where the parking brake cable connects to the brake caliper actuating lever. Pull back the cable retaining clip or dust boot. Using brake cable removal tool or long-nose pliers, compress the cable end fitting tangs and disconnect from the caliper lever. Note the routing and orientation of the cable end for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable from caliper bracket
   The cable housing is retained in a bracket on the caliper or backing plate. Identify the retaining clip or bracket securing the cable housing. Remove the clip by squeezing the tangs together and pulling the cable housing free from the bracket. On some configurations, this may require removing a cable bracket bolt.
   ⚠Cable retaining clips are often corroded and may break during removal. Have replacement clips available if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove cable routing brackets along frame
   Follow the parking brake cable forward from the caliper along the frame rail and rear axle. Remove all cable bracket bolts securing the cable to the frame, crossmembers, and axle housing using appropriate sockets. There are typically 3-5 mounting points. Keep track of bolt locations and any spacers or washers.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from equalizer
   At the equalizer assembly under the vehicle center section, locate where the individual rear cable connects to the equalizer bracket or intermediate cable. Remove the cable end from the equalizer by compressing the retaining tangs and pulling the cable through the bracket. Note the routing path through any frame guides or grommets.
6. 6

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the parking brake cable through all routing points, frame clips, and grommets, working from the equalizer toward the caliper. Note the exact routing path, especially where the cable passes through the frame or crosses over the axle. Take photos if necessary for reference during installation.
7. 7

   Prepare and route new cable
   Compare new cable to old cable to verify correct part. Route the new parking brake cable from the equalizer area toward the rear caliper, following the exact path of the original cable. Feed the cable through all frame guides, grommets, and routing points. Ensure the cable is not twisted and does not contact the driveshaft, exhaust components, or any sharp edges.
   ⚠Verify cable does not contact exhaust system components at any point in the travel range. Heat can damage cable housing and cause premature failure.
8. 8

   Install cable routing brackets
   Secure the new cable to all frame and axle mounting points using the cable bracket bolts and mounting bolts removed earlier. Install brackets in the correct sequence to maintain proper cable routing. Torque all cable bracket bolts and mounting bolts to specification. Ensure cable moves freely and is not kinked or pinched at any bracket.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect cable to equalizer
   At the equalizer assembly, insert the cable end through the equalizer bracket until the retaining tangs snap into place. Verify the cable is fully seated and cannot be pulled free. The equalizer nut should still be loose at this point to allow free cable movement during final installation.
10. 10

    Connect cable to brake caliper
    At the rear caliper, insert the cable housing into the caliper bracket and install the retaining clip, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Connect the cable end to the caliper actuating lever by aligning the cable end fitting and pushing until the tangs lock into position. Verify secure connection by pulling gently on the cable.
11. 11

    Adjust parking brake cable tension
    At the equalizer, hand-tighten the equalizer nut while ensuring both rear cables (if equipped) are seated properly. Adjust the nut so there is slight slack in the cable with the parking brake released. As a starting point, adjust until you can barely move the cable by hand. Final adjustment will be performed during verification. Torque equalizer nut to specification.
    ⚠Overtightening the equalizer nut will cause rear brake drag, premature wear, and reduced fuel economy. Undertightening will result in insufficient parking brake holding force.
    Torque spec

    Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean wheel mounting surfaces on hubs and wheels. Install rear wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable routing brackets are secured and torqued properly
2. Confirm parking brake cable does not contact exhaust, driveshaft, or suspension components through full suspension travel
3. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle
4. Double-check all lug nuts are torqued to specification

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and transmission in PARK (automatic) or in gear (manual), apply parking brake fully and attempt to push vehicle - it should not roll
• Release parking brake and verify it returns fully to OFF position with no resistance
• Check that rear wheels rotate freely with parking brake released - no brake drag should be present
• Apply parking brake and inspect cable at caliper - cable should pull caliper lever approximately 10-15mm and hold firmly
• Verify parking brake warning light on instrument cluster illuminates when parking brake is applied and extinguishes when released
• Perform parking brake holding test on a slight incline (if safe to do so) - vehicle should remain stationary with parking brake applied
• If parking brake does not hold adequately, readjust equalizer nut in small increments until proper holding force is achieved without causing brake drag when released
• Road test vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or brake drag from rear wheels

More procedures for this vehicle