Parking Brake Actuator

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake actuator motor on the rear brake caliper assemblies of a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake actuator motor × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part 47750-06120 or equivalent
• Parking brake actuator O-ring seal × 1 — Often included with actuator assembly
• Brake caliper slide pin grease × 1 — Silicone-based brake grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and verify transmission is in Park
2. Apply parking brake initially, then release it before beginning work
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
5. Chock front wheels securely
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
7. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
8. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
9. Verify the parking brake actuator motor is the source of the problem (clicking noise, error codes C1554, C1555, or parking brake malfunction indicator)

Procedure

1. 1

   Connect diagnostic scanner and enter service mode
   Connect the diagnostic scan tool to the OBD-II port under the dashboard. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine (reconnect negative battery terminal if necessary, but do not start vehicle). Navigate to parking brake system in scanner menu and select 'Service Mode' or 'Actuator Maintenance Mode'. This will retract the parking brake actuator to the service position. Confirm on scanner that service mode is active before proceeding. Once activated, turn ignition OFF and disconnect battery again.
   ⚠️Do not attempt to remove the actuator without entering service mode. The actuator motor will be under tension and may cause injury or component damage.
2. 2

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper. Remove both caliper slide pin bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully pivot the caliper upward and off the brake rotor. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or caliper hanger from the suspension spring - do NOT let it hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect parking brake actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the parking brake actuator motor, which is mounted on the back side of the caliper. Press the tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the actuator. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. Clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wires themselves. Only grip the connector body to avoid damaging the wiring harness.
4. 4

   Remove parking brake actuator motor
   The actuator is secured by two mounting bolts on the rear of the caliper body. Using a 10mm socket, remove both actuator mounting bolts. Carefully pull the actuator assembly straight out from the caliper body. The actuator shaft engages with the caliper piston mechanism - it may require slight rotation while pulling to disengage. Remove the O-ring seal from the actuator bore in the caliper and discard.
   ⚠Do not force or pry the actuator. Forcing it can damage the caliper piston mechanism requiring caliper replacement.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect caliper bore and prepare for installation
   Inspect the actuator mounting bore in the caliper for corrosion, debris, or damage to the threads. Clean the bore with brake cleaner and a wire brush if needed. Inspect the caliper piston mechanism through the actuator opening - verify it moves freely and is not seized. Check the spindle shaft inside the bore for damage.
   ℹ️If the bore is heavily corroded or the internal spindle is damaged, the entire caliper assembly will require replacement.
6. 6

   Install new O-ring seal
   Remove the new O-ring from the replacement actuator package. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with fresh brake fluid or silicone brake grease. Install the O-ring into the groove in the caliper actuator bore, ensuring it seats properly and is not twisted or pinched.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on brake system O-rings as they will cause seal deterioration.
7. 7

   Install new parking brake actuator motor
   Align the new actuator with the mounting bore. The actuator shaft has a specific orientation to engage the internal spindle - it should slide in with minimal resistance when properly aligned. You may need to rotate the actuator body slightly while pushing inward to engage. Once fully seated, install the two mounting bolts and tighten to specification.
   ⚠Verify the actuator is fully seated before tightening bolts. A partially engaged actuator will be damaged when the system is activated.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Plug the electrical connector onto the new actuator motor. Push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
   ℹ️Route the wiring harness to avoid contact with moving suspension components or the wheel.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake caliper
   Remove the caliper from the support hanger. Clean the caliper slide pins with brake cleaner and inspect the rubber boots for tears or damage. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pins as specified. Position the caliper back over the brake rotor and align the slide pin bolt holes. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and tighten to specification in a crisscross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

    Exit service mode and initialize actuator
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position. Using the diagnostic scanner, exit parking brake service mode. The scanner should prompt you to perform an actuator initialization or calibration procedure. Follow the on-screen prompts - this typically involves applying and releasing the parking brake several times while the scanner monitors actuator position. Verify no diagnostic codes are present after initialization.
    ⚠️Keep hands and tools clear of the brake caliper during initialization. The actuator will move automatically during this process.
    ⚠If initialization fails or error codes persist, the actuator may be defective or incorrectly installed. Do not operate the vehicle.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface with a wire brush. Install the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to specification. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on the ground, perform a final torque check on lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite rear wheel if that actuator also requires replacement
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
4. Double-check that all fasteners have been properly torqued

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, apply the parking brake using the switch or button in the cabin. Listen for smooth actuator operation without grinding or clicking noises
• Verify the parking brake warning light illuminates on the dashboard when applied
• Attempt to push the vehicle - it should not roll when parking brake is engaged
• Release the parking brake and verify the warning light extinguishes
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and apply the parking brake while moving at 5 mph to verify emergency brake function works properly
• Re-check for diagnostic trouble codes using the scanner after test drive
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline

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