Electronic Parking Brake Motor

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake motor/actuator on the rear brake calipers of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake motor/actuator × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification (side-specific)
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park
2. Apply wheel chocks to front wheels in both directions
3. Verify scan tool is compatible with Ford EPB system service functions before beginning
4. Connect scan tool to OBD-II port and establish communication with ABS/EPB module
5. Open driver's door to keep vehicle awake during scan tool operations
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
7. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point on frame
8. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified points
9. Remove rear wheel completely on side being serviced
10. Verify parking brake is released via instrument cluster display

Procedure

1. 1

   Enter EPB service mode
   Using the scan tool, navigate to the EPB service functions menu. Select 'EPB Service Mode' or 'Caliper Retraction Mode' to disable the electronic parking brake system. The scan tool should confirm the system is in service mode. This step is critical - the EPB motor must be commanded to retract before attempting to compress the caliper piston. Without service mode active, the motor will resist piston retraction and may be damaged.
   ⚠️Do not proceed without confirming EPB service mode is active. Forcing piston retraction with EPB engaged will destroy the motor and caliper assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB motor electrical connector
   Locate the electronic parking brake motor on the inboard side of the rear brake caliper. The motor is a cylindrical component with an electrical connector on the back. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector is difficult to access, turn steering wheel full lock to gain clearance if needed (note: this is rear brake, turning wheel may help with body clearance when reaching in).
   ⚠Do not pull on wiring harness. Support connector body while releasing locking tab to avoid damaging pins.
3. 3

   Remove EPB motor mounting bolts
   The EPB motor is secured to the rear brake caliper with two mounting bolts, typically 13mm hex heads. Apply penetrating oil to bolt threads if vehicle is from salt-belt region. Use a ratchet with extension to access bolts from the rear of the caliper. Remove both bolts completely and retain them if they are in good condition (check threads for damage). Note the orientation of the motor for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove EPB motor from caliper
   Carefully pull the EPB motor straight out from the caliper housing. The motor shaft engages with the caliper piston mechanism via a spindle. You may need to rotate the motor slightly while pulling to disengage the spindle coupling. Once free, inspect the motor mounting face and O-ring seal (if equipped). Do not allow the motor to hang by the wiring harness - set it aside on a clean surface. Inspect the caliper mounting bore for corrosion or damage.
   ⚠If motor is seized in caliper bore, do not use excessive force. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak. Severe corrosion may require caliper replacement.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean caliper mounting interface
   With the motor removed, inspect the caliper bore where the motor mounts. Look for corrosion, pitting, or debris. Use a wire brush to clean the mounting face and bolt holes. Clean the spindle mechanism visible in the center of the bore - this is what drives the piston for parking brake application. Spray brake cleaner to remove any old grease or contamination. Inspect the spindle for damaged teeth or threads. If spindle is damaged, the caliper must be replaced.
   ℹ️Some corrosion on the bore is normal. Surface rust can be cleaned, but deep pitting or damaged threads require caliper replacement.
6. 6

   Prepare new EPB motor for installation
   Remove the new EPB motor from packaging and verify it matches the old unit (left vs right side specific, mounting bolt pattern, connector type). Check that the motor shaft rotates freely by hand - it should turn with moderate resistance. Inspect the O-ring seal on the motor face if equipped; replace if damaged. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the motor housing where it seats against the caliper, avoiding the O-ring and spindle engagement area. Verify the motor shaft is in the fully retracted position by rotating clockwise by hand until it stops.
   ⚠Ford EPB motors are side-specific (left/right). Installing the wrong side will result in improper operation and potential failure. Verify part number matches your vehicle side.
7. 7

   Install new EPB motor to caliper
   Align the new EPB motor with the caliper mounting bore, ensuring the motor shaft engages with the spindle in the caliper piston mechanism. You may need to rotate the motor slightly to align the coupling. Once aligned, push the motor firmly into the bore until it seats flush against the caliper mounting face. Verify the motor is fully seated before installing bolts - there should be no gap between motor housing and caliper.
   ⚠Ensure spindle engagement is correct before forcing motor into place. Cross-threading or misalignment can damage the piston mechanism.
8. 8

   Install EPB motor mounting bolts
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of both mounting bolts. Insert bolts through the motor mounting flanges and thread them into the caliper by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque value of 34 Nm (25 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can crack the motor housing or strip caliper threads.
   ⚠Thread locker is required to prevent bolts from loosening due to vibration. Use medium strength only - high strength will make future service difficult.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect EPB motor electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the EPB motor pins and push firmly until you hear/feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked - it should not pull free. Ensure the wiring harness has adequate slack and is routed away from heat sources, sharp edges, and moving suspension components. Use a zip tie to secure harness to existing mounting points if needed.
   ℹ️Verify connector orientation is correct. Forcing connector on backwards can damage pins and require motor replacement.
10. 10

    Exit EPB service mode and perform calibration
    Using the scan tool, exit EPB service mode. The scan tool will typically prompt you to perform an EPB calibration or adaptation procedure. Follow the scan tool instructions precisely - this usually involves commanding the EPB to apply and release several times to establish end-stop positions. The calibration process is critical for proper operation. Monitor the calibration on the scan tool - it should complete without errors. If errors occur, verify motor installation and wiring before repeating calibration.
    ⚠️EPB calibration is mandatory after motor replacement. Operating the parking brake without proper calibration can result in insufficient holding force or motor damage.
11. 11

    Verify EPB motor operation
    With the scan tool still connected, use the active command function to manually apply and release the electronic parking brake. Listen for smooth motor operation - you should hear a brief motor sound followed by a slight click when the brake sets. Repeat 3-4 times and verify consistent operation. Check that the instrument cluster parking brake indicator illuminates when applied and extinguishes when released. If operation is erratic or noisy, repeat calibration procedure.
    ⚠Grinding, clicking, or hesitation during operation indicates a problem. Do not return vehicle to service until EPB operates smoothly.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug the wheel, but do not torque yet. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to unload jack stands, remove stands, and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Once vehicle weight is on wheels, use torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle
2. Disconnect scan tool and store properly
3. If replacing both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite rear wheel

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster related to parking brake or ABS
• With engine running and foot on brake pedal, apply electronic parking brake using dash switch - verify it engages with a single motor sound and indicator light illuminates
• Release electronic parking brake using dash switch - verify it releases and indicator light extinguishes
• Perform hold test: On a slight incline with transmission in neutral, apply EPB and release foot brake - vehicle should remain stationary without rolling
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify normal service brake operation is not affected
• Re-check EPB operation after test drive - apply and release 2-3 times to confirm consistent function
• Use scan tool to check for any stored fault codes in ABS/EPB module - clear any old codes related to previous motor failure
• Verify parking brake holding force meets expectations - vehicle should not creep on moderate incline with EPB applied

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