Parking Brake Actuator

Replace the electronic parking brake actuator on the rear brake caliper assembly to restore parking brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake actuator (specify left or right) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• DOT 3 brake fluid (for topping off reservoir) × 1 — DOT 3

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake initially
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Connect OBD-II scan tool and turn ignition to ON position (engine off)
4. Using scan tool, navigate to EPB service mode and select 'Retract' or 'Service Mode' to fully retract rear caliper pistons electronically
5. Wait for scan tool confirmation that pistons are fully retracted before proceeding
6. Turn ignition OFF and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental EPB activation
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
8. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
9. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
10. Using turkey baster, remove approximately 2 oz of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow during caliper piston retraction

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the parking brake actuator
   Locate the electronic parking brake actuator on the rear of the brake caliper. It is a cylindrical motor unit with an electrical connector. Clean the area around the caliper with brake parts cleaner to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the EPB actuator electrical connector and carefully disconnect it from the actuator motor. Position the connector away from the work area to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; press the connector release tab fully before separating.
3. 3

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket. Support the caliper by hand to prevent it from falling. Pivot the caliper upward and support it with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose, as this can damage internal hose structure and cause eventual brake failure.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake pads and pad retainers
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation and the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reassembly. Remove the pad retainers/shims if present.
5. 5

   Remove actuator mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the EPB actuator to the rear of the caliper body (typically 10mm or 12mm hex). Remove these bolts while supporting the actuator. The actuator may have a gasket or O-ring seal.
   ℹ️Note the orientation of the actuator and any alignment pins before removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old parking brake actuator
   Carefully pull the actuator straight away from the caliper body. The actuator shaft engages with the caliper piston mechanism. If resistance is felt, verify pistons are fully retracted. Inspect the mating surface on the caliper for damage or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare caliper and new actuator
   Clean the actuator mounting surface on the caliper body with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect the caliper piston mechanism for damage. Verify the new actuator matches the old unit exactly. Install new O-ring or gasket on the new actuator if supplied separately.
   ⚠Ensure the replacement actuator part number matches the original. Left and right actuators may differ.
8. 8

   Install new parking brake actuator
   Align the new actuator with the mounting holes and the engagement shaft with the caliper piston mechanism. Press the actuator firmly against the caliper body, ensuring proper seating. The actuator should sit flush against the mounting surface.
9. 9

   Install actuator mounting bolts
   Install the two actuator mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the actuator is properly aligned and seated before final torquing.
   ⚠Do not overtighten mounting bolts as this can crack the actuator housing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect actuator electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new actuator, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body.
11. 11

    Inspect and reinstall brake pads
    Inspect brake pads for wear. If pads are worn below 2mm thickness, replace them. Clean the caliper bracket and apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to slide pin contact points and pad ears (not friction surfaces). Reinstall pad retainers and brake pads in their original orientation.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Lower the caliper back into position over the brake pads. Ensure the caliper slides freely on the pins. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolts as specified. Install and torque the caliper slide pin bolts to specification.
    ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease on slide pins. Petroleum-based lubricants will damage rubber bushings.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Initialize EPB system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Using the scan tool, navigate to EPB service mode and select 'Initialize' or 'Calibrate' function. Follow all on-screen prompts. The actuator will cycle through full retraction and application during initialization. This process typically takes 30-60 seconds.
    ⚠️Stay clear of the rear wheels during EPB initialization as the parking brake will engage with significant force.
15. 15

    Check brake fluid level and bleed if necessary
    Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top off to the MAX line with DOT 3 fluid if needed. If any air entered the system or the brake pedal feels soft, bleed the rear brake caliper. With ignition OFF, pump brake pedal 10-15 times to seat pads and build pressure.
    ⚠Use only DOT 3 brake fluid. Never mix brake fluid types or use fluid from a previously opened container.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If working on both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite rear wheel
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel well area
4. Double-check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

• With engine running, press brake pedal firmly and verify firm pedal feel with no excessive travel or sponginess
• Pull and release electronic parking brake switch several times, listening for actuator motor operation and verifying the parking brake warning light functions correctly
• With parking brake engaged, attempt to move vehicle in drive and reverse to confirm parking brake holds vehicle (choose safe, level area for this test)
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed, verifying normal brake operation and parking brake release
• Using scan tool, verify no EPB fault codes are present in the system
• Perform final visual inspection under vehicle for any fluid leaks around caliper
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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