Parking Brake Actuator

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake actuator assembly on the rear caliper of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine. This is a safety-critical brake system repair requiring precise torque specifications and proper brake bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for brake line × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and chock the front wheels securely
2. Release the electronic parking brake using the interior switch
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Safely raise and support the rear of the vehicle on jack stands at the frame rails
5. Remove the rear wheel(s) on the side being serviced
6. Verify brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and note level
7. Connect Ford IDS or equivalent scan tool capable of parking brake service functions
8. Use scan tool to enter parking brake service mode and retract actuator to full open position - this is MANDATORY before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Retract parking brake actuator electronically
   Using the scan tool, navigate to the parking brake service functions. Select 'Service Mode' or 'Retract Actuator'. The actuator motor will run and fully retract the piston. Wait until the scan tool confirms retraction is complete. Do NOT proceed without completing this step as the actuator is under high preload force.
   ⚠️Failure to retract the actuator electronically before removal can cause sudden release of stored spring force, resulting in injury or component damage.
2. 2

   Disconnect parking brake actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the parking brake actuator motor housing at the rear of the caliper. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Move the wiring harness out of the work area.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper mounting bolts
   Using a socket or wrench, remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket. Note the condition of the slide pins and boots. If corroded or damaged, the pins should be cleaned and relubricated with silicone brake grease. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord - do NOT allow it to hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line from caliper
   Place a drain pan below the caliper. Using a line wrench (not a standard wrench), carefully loosen and remove the brake line fitting from the caliper body. Remove and discard the copper crush washers. Immediately plug or cap the brake line and caliper port to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Expect some brake fluid spillage.
   ⚠Use a line wrench to avoid rounding the brake line fitting. A rounded fitting may require line replacement.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove caliper assembly
   With the brake line disconnected, remove the caliper from the vehicle. Place it on a clean work surface. Inspect the caliper body, piston, and bracket for damage, corrosion, or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Remove parking brake actuator from caliper
   Locate the actuator mounting bolts (typically 2-3 bolts) on the rear of the caliper housing. Remove these bolts and carefully separate the actuator assembly from the caliper body. Note the orientation and position of any spacers, seals, or alignment pins. Inspect the actuator mounting surface on the caliper for corrosion or damage and clean with a wire brush if necessary.
   ⚠Even in service mode, some spring preload may remain. Remove the actuator slowly and carefully.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Prepare caliper for new actuator
   Clean the actuator mounting surface on the caliper body thoroughly. Remove any corrosion, old gasket material, or debris. Inspect the caliper piston and bore for damage. If installing a new actuator, verify that it matches the original part number and comes with any required seals or gaskets. Apply a light coating of clean brake fluid to any new seals.
8. 8

   Install new parking brake actuator
   Position the new actuator onto the caliper body, ensuring proper alignment of any pins or locating features. Install the actuator mounting bolts and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Ensure the actuator is seated fully against the caliper housing with no gaps.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall caliper assembly
   Position the caliper assembly back onto the caliper bracket. Clean the slide pins thoroughly and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the pins and boots. Insert the caliper slide pin bolts and tighten evenly to the specified torque. Ensure the caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect brake line
    Install NEW copper crush washers on both sides of the brake line banjo fitting. Position the brake line to the caliper port and thread the fitting by hand first to ensure proper threading. Using a line wrench, tighten the brake line fitting to the specified torque. Do not overtighten.
    ⚠Always use new copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will cause brake fluid leaks.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the parking brake actuator motor. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Verify the wiring harness is properly routed and will not contact any moving parts or hot components.
12. 12

    Bleed brake caliper
    Locate the bleeder screw on the caliper. Top off the brake fluid reservoir with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid. Using a brake bleeder kit or vacuum pump, bleed the caliper until clean, bubble-free brake fluid flows from the bleeder. Tighten the bleeder screw to specification while maintaining pressure. Check fluid level in reservoir frequently and do not allow it to run dry.
    ⚠️If air enters the ABS module during bleeding, special scan tool procedures may be required to purge the system. Avoid running the master cylinder reservoir dry.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Exit service mode and calibrate actuator
    Using the scan tool, exit parking brake service mode. Follow the scan tool prompts to perform parking brake actuator calibration. The actuator will cycle through its full range of motion. This calibration is MANDATORY after actuator replacement. Verify the scan tool confirms successful calibration with no fault codes.
    ⚠Actuator calibration must be performed or the parking brake will not function correctly. Do not skip this step.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel mounting surface and reinstall the wheel. Thread all lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification while vehicle is still supported. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground and perform final torque check on lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify brake line fitting is tight and not leaking
3. Check that caliper slide pins move freely and boots are properly seated
4. Confirm brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
5. Wipe down all components and check for any brake fluid leaks

Verification

• With the engine running, pump the brake pedal several times until firm. Pedal should be firm and not sink to the floor
• Check all brake line connections and caliper bleeder for any signs of leakage
• Activate the electronic parking brake using the interior switch. Verify the actuator operates smoothly without unusual noises
• Release the parking brake and verify the release warning light extinguishes
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify normal brake operation
• Park on a moderate incline, engage the parking brake, and verify the vehicle is held securely in place
• Check for any parking brake warning lights or fault codes using the scan tool
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• If the brake pedal feels soft, is low, or warning lights remain on, DO NOT return vehicle to service - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional assistance

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle