brakes
Parking Brake Actuator
for 2017 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Replace the electronic parking brake actuator located on the rear brake caliper, which controls the parking brake application and release.
Warnings
⚠️This procedure involves the brake system. Errors can result in complete brake failure, causing serious injury or death. If you are not experienced with brake work, have this job performed by a professional.
⚠️The electronic parking brake actuator is under electric motor tension. Do NOT attempt to manually retract the caliper piston without using the scan tool retract function. Physical injury and component damage can occur.
⚠A professional-grade scan tool with electronic parking brake service functions is REQUIRED for this job. Generic code readers will not work.
⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint and harmful if ingested. Avoid skin contact and immediately clean any spills.
⚠Never reuse brake fluid. Only use fresh Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container.
ℹ️This procedure covers one rear caliper. If replacing both actuators, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side.
Tools required
Jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Torque wrench (20-180 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Line wrench set (metric)Essential
Scan tool capable of EPB service functionsEssential
Brake caliper hanger/wire
Brake fluid catch panEssential
Thread locker (medium strength)Essential
Brake cleaner
Shop rags
Safety glassesEssential
Parts
- Electronic parking brake actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Brake fluid (for bleeding) × 1 — Mopar DOT 4
Fluids
- brake — 0.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
- Apply parking brake manually before beginning (you will release it with scan tool later)
- Gather all tools and parts before starting
- Ensure scan tool is connected and can communicate with the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) module
- Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
- Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands at manufacturer-approved jacking points on frame rails
- Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
- Place brake fluid catch pan under work area
Procedure
- 1Retract electronic parking brake actuatorUsing the scan tool, navigate to EPB service functions and select 'Retract Caliper' or 'Service Mode' for the rear brake being serviced. The actuator motor will fully retract the caliper piston. Wait for the scan tool to confirm the operation is complete. Do NOT proceed until the actuator has fully retracted.⚠️Never attempt to manually compress the rear caliper piston. The electronic actuator must be retracted using the scan tool only.
- 2Disconnect brake line fittingUsing a line wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line fitting from the rear brake caliper. Be prepared for brake fluid spillage. Cap or plug the brake line immediately to prevent contamination and further fluid loss. Allow fluid to drain into catch pan.⚠Use only a proper line wrench to prevent rounding off the brake line fitting. A standard wrench will damage the fitting.Torque specLine Fittings23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
- 3Remove caliper mounting boltsRemove the two caliper mounting bolts that secure the caliper to the brake caliper bracket/adapter. Support the caliper as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose (it is already disconnected).Torque specCaliper Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 4Remove caliper assemblyCarefully remove the brake caliper assembly from the rotor and bracket. Set it on a clean work surface. Inspect the caliper mounting bolts for damage and replace if threads are damaged or stretched.
- 5Remove parking brake actuatorDisconnect the electrical connector from the parking brake actuator motor. Remove the mounting bolts securing the actuator to the caliper body. Note the orientation and position of the actuator for installation of the new unit. Remove the old actuator from the caliper.⚠The actuator gear mechanism may contain residual grease. Clean the mounting surface on the caliper thoroughly before installing the new actuator.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 6Install new parking brake actuatorPosition the new parking brake actuator onto the caliper body, ensuring proper alignment of the drive gear with the caliper piston mechanism. Install the mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 7Install caliper assemblyClean the caliper mounting bolt holes and apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bolt threads as specified. Position the caliper over the brake rotor and align with the mounting bracket. Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification in an alternating pattern.⚠Thread locker is REQUIRED on caliper bolts. Failure to use thread locker can result in bolts loosening and complete brake failure.Torque specCaliper Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect brake lineRemove the cap or plug from the brake line. Thread the brake line fitting into the caliper by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement and prevent cross-threading. Using a line wrench, tighten the fitting to the specified torque.Torque specLine Fittings23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
- 9Bleed rear brake caliperHave an assistant pump the brake pedal several times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw on the caliper and allow fluid and air to escape into the catch pan. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until clean fluid with no air bubbles flows from the bleeder. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Refill master cylinder with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid as needed during bleeding.⚠Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run dry during bleeding or air will enter the ABS system, requiring professional service.Torque specBleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
- 10Calibrate electronic parking brakeUsing the scan tool, perform the EPB calibration procedure. This typically involves selecting 'Apply' and 'Release' functions multiple times to allow the system to learn the new actuator position. Follow the specific prompts on your scan tool. The system should complete calibration without error codes.⚠EPB calibration is CRITICAL. If calibration fails or error codes are present, the parking brake will not function properly. Verify with a professional if calibration cannot be completed.
- 11Reinstall wheelClean the wheel hub surface and wheel mounting surface. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is at MAX line; top off with fresh DOT 4 fluid if needed
- Check for brake fluid leaks at the caliper line fitting
- Ensure all tools and parts are removed from under vehicle
Verification
- With engine running, pump brake pedal firmly several times and verify firm pedal feel with no excessive travel
- Using scan tool, command EPB to apply and release multiple times; verify smooth operation with no unusual noises
- Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 10 mph); verify normal brake function and that vehicle stops straight without pulling
- On a slight incline, apply electronic parking brake and verify vehicle is held securely
- Perform final inspection for any brake fluid leaks around caliper and line fitting
- Check scan tool for any EPB-related diagnostic trouble codes; address any codes before returning vehicle to service
- Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving