brakes

Electronic Parking Brake Motor

for 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 · 4WD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
12

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor on the rear brake caliper assembly, requiring caliper removal, brake system bleeding, and EPB system calibration.

Warnings

⚠️SAFETY-CRITICAL: This procedure involves the brake system. Errors can result in complete brake failure, causing serious injury or death. If you are uncertain about any step, seek professional service immediately.
⚠️The electronic parking brake motor operates under high torque. Never place fingers near the actuator mechanism when the ignition is on or battery is connected.
⚠️The vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
Brake fluid is corrosive and will damage paint. Cover surrounding areas and immediately clean any spills with water.
A dealer-level scan tool or compatible EPB service tool is REQUIRED to retract and calibrate the electronic parking brake. This procedure cannot be completed without this tool.
Do not depress the brake pedal while the caliper is removed or brake lines are disconnected.
ℹ️This procedure covers one rear caliper. Repeat for the opposite side if replacing both EPB motors.

Tools required

Jeep dealer scan tool or compatible EPB service toolEssential
Floor jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Brake caliper hanger or wireEssential
Line wrench set (metric)Essential
Socket set (metric)
Brake fluid catch containerEssential
Turkey baster or brake fluid extractor
Brake cleaner
Thread locker (medium strength)Essential
C-clamp or brake piston tool
Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

  • Electronic parking brake motor × 1 — Mopar 68231805AA or equivalent
  • Brake caliper bolt thread locker packets × 2 — Use OEM specification
  • Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Fluids

  • Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and place wheel chocks at front wheels
  2. Turn ignition off and ensure electronic parking brake is in the released position
  3. Connect scan tool and enter EPB service mode to electronically retract the parking brake actuator - this MUST be done before beginning work
  4. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from terminal
  5. Remove brake fluid reservoir cap and extract approximately 1/3 of fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow during piston retraction
  6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
  7. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
  8. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect EPB motor electrical connector
    Locate the electronic parking brake motor on the rear of the brake caliper. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the EPB motor. Move the wiring harness away from the work area.
  2. 2
    Remove brake caliper mounting bolts
    Remove the two caliper mounting bolts (also called guide pin bolts) that secure the caliper to the bracket. These bolts thread into the caliper adapter. Keep bolts as they will be reused with new thread locker. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.
  3. 3
    Support and disconnect brake caliper
    Suspend the caliper from the suspension or frame using a caliper hanger or heavy wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Place a drain pan beneath the caliper. Using a line wrench, carefully disconnect the brake hose fitting from the rear of the caliper body. Expect brake fluid to drain. Plug or cap the brake line to minimize fluid loss and contamination.
    Use only a line wrench on brake fittings. Standard wrenches will round off the soft brass fittings.
  4. 4
    Remove caliper from vehicle
    With the brake line disconnected, remove the caliper from the vehicle and place on clean work surface. Inspect the caliper bracket and hardware for wear or damage. Clean the bracket mounting surfaces with brake cleaner.
  5. 5
    Remove EPB motor from caliper
    Locate the mounting bolts securing the EPB motor to the rear brake caliper housing (typically 2 or 3 bolts). Remove these mounting bolts and carefully separate the EPB motor from the caliper body. Note the orientation and position of any gaskets or seals. The motor may have a gear interface with the caliper piston mechanism.
  6. 6
    Install new EPB motor
    Install new EPB motor to the caliper housing, ensuring proper alignment of the gear interface with the caliper piston mechanism. Install new gasket or seal if provided with replacement motor. Install and tighten the EPB motor mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Reinstall caliper to bracket
    Position the caliper with new EPB motor back onto the caliper bracket. Ensure brake pads are properly seated. Thread the brake hose fitting into the caliper body by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then tighten to specification using a line wrench.
    Always start brake line fittings by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
    Torque spec
    Line Fittings23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Install caliper mounting bolts
    Clean the caliper bolt threads and apply medium-strength thread locker as specified. Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification in an even, alternating pattern.
    Torque spec
    Caliper Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect EPB motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the new EPB motor. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Route wiring away from hot or moving components.
  10. 10
    Bleed rear brake caliper
    Refill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid. Locate the bleeder screw on the rear caliper. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder and submerge the other end in a container of clean brake fluid. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal while you open the bleeder screw 1/2 turn. Close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Tighten bleeder screw to specification on final closure.
    Never allow brake fluid reservoir to run dry during bleeding or air will enter the ABS system requiring special bleeding procedures.
    Torque spec
    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Calibrate EPB system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Using the scan tool, perform the EPB calibration procedure according to tool instructions. This typically involves commanding the EPB to apply and release several times while the system learns the new motor position. Monitor scan tool for successful calibration completion.
    ⚠️Do not skip EPB calibration. Failure to calibrate may result in parking brake malfunction and vehicle rollaway.

Reassembly

  1. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh Mopar DOT 4 fluid
  2. Securely reinstall brake fluid reservoir cap
  3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  4. Check for brake fluid leaks at caliper and line connections
  5. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both EPB motors

Verification

  • Start engine and verify brake warning light extinguishes and no EPB fault codes are present on scan tool
  • With engine running, firmly depress brake pedal and verify firm pedal with no excessive travel or sponginess
  • Test electronic parking brake function by commanding apply and release from cabin switch - verify smooth operation with no abnormal noises
  • Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to confirm proper brake function before returning to normal driving
  • Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline
  • After test drive, recheck brake fluid level and inspect for any leaks at caliper and line fittings
  • Clear any stored fault codes and verify no new codes set after test drive

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