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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake actuator motor × 1 — Use OEM Kia part or equivalent EPB actuator
• Actuator mounting O-ring or seal × 1 — Often included with actuator

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake initially
2. Ensure ignition is in OFF position
3. Connect OBD-II scan tool and verify communication with EPB system
4. Use scan tool to activate EPB service/maintenance mode (this releases parking brake tension)
5. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental EPB activation during service
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
7. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at proper lift points
8. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph existing actuator installation
   Before removal, photograph the actuator orientation, electrical connector routing, and cable position. Note the position of the actuator relative to the caliper mounting points. This will aid reassembly and ensure proper orientation of the new actuator.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the parking brake actuator motor. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector is corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner before reconnection.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; use connector body to avoid damaging pins or seals.
3. 3

   Remove actuator mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the EPB actuator to the rear brake caliper. Using appropriate socket (typically 10mm or 12mm), remove both bolts completely. Support the actuator by hand as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Bolts may have thread-locking compound applied from factory.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove actuator from caliper
   Carefully pull the actuator straight away from the caliper body. The actuator drive gear engages with the caliper piston mechanism, so you may need to rotate it slightly while pulling to disengage. Inspect the actuator mounting surface and O-ring/seal condition. Remove and discard old O-ring if present.
   ⚠Do not force actuator removal. If stuck, apply penetrating oil around mounting area and wait 10 minutes before attempting removal again.
5. 5

   Clean caliper mounting surface
   Using brake cleaner and wire brush, thoroughly clean the actuator mounting surface on the caliper. Remove any corrosion, old seal material, or debris. The mounting surface must be clean and smooth to ensure proper seal and actuator engagement. Dry completely with compressed air or clean lint-free cloth.
6. 6

   Inspect caliper piston and mechanism
   With actuator removed, visually inspect the caliper piston for damage, corrosion, or scoring. Check that the piston rotates freely by hand (should rotate and retract with clockwise motion). If piston is seized or severely corroded, the entire caliper should be replaced rather than just the actuator.
   ⚠If piston does not move freely or shows signs of seizure, do not proceed with actuator installation. Caliper replacement is required.
7. 7

   Prepare new actuator for installation
   Unpack new EPB actuator and verify it matches the original unit in appearance and connector type. Install new O-ring or seal onto actuator if supplied separately. Apply light coat of clean brake fluid to O-ring to ease installation and prevent seal damage. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on brake system seals.
8. 8

   Install new actuator onto caliper
   Align the actuator drive gear with the caliper piston mechanism. The actuator will only fit in one orientation - ensure alignment tabs or keys are properly positioned. Push actuator straight onto caliper while rotating slightly to engage drive gear with piston mechanism. Actuator should seat flush against caliper mounting surface.
   ⚠Do not force actuator installation. Misalignment can damage drive gears or piston mechanism.
9. 9

   Install and torque actuator mounting bolts
   Insert both mounting bolts and thread by hand to ensure proper engagement. Tighten bolts in alternating pattern (not one fully then the other) to ensure even seating. Use torque wrench to tighten mounting bolts to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft) in final pass.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route electrical connector along same path as original installation (refer to photographs from step 1). Connect connector to actuator, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Gently pull on connector body to verify secure connection. Ensure wiring is not routed where it can contact moving suspension components or heat sources.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (still supported by jack). Torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize EPB system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Using OBD-II scan tool, exit EPB service mode and perform EPB initialization procedure as directed by scan tool. This will calibrate the new actuator and verify proper operation. During initialization, you should hear the actuator motor operating and feel parking brake engage/release.
    ⚠Do not skip initialization procedure. Failure to initialize EPB system will result in parking brake malfunction and dashboard warning lights.

Reassembly

1. Verify EPB warning light is extinguished on instrument cluster after initialization
2. If replacing actuator on only one side, repeat procedure for opposite rear wheel if both actuators are being replaced
3. Clear any fault codes stored during service using scan tool
4. Reset tire pressure monitoring system if warning appears after wheel removal

Verification

• With vehicle in safe location, test parking brake engagement by pressing EPB switch - verify parking brake engages and holds vehicle on slight incline
• Test parking brake release by pressing EPB switch while pressing brake pedal - verify complete release and no warning lights
• Perform test drive at low speed and verify normal service brake operation is not affected
• Listen for abnormal noises from rear brakes during light brake application - new actuator should operate silently during normal driving
• Check for EPB warning lights on instrument cluster - all warnings should be clear
• Re-verify wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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