EPB Motor / Actuator Issues

[pierremcalpine]

Over the weekend, I did some work on my car: rear brake inspection, rear shock replacement (among other things) and rear hub replacement.

As part of the rear brake work, I retracted the parking brake in order to prepare for a pad replacement (which I didn't need after all).

All the work was completed successfully BUT unlike last time I retracted the piston, when I attempted to apply the parking brake I got no response from the RHS (the side I had carried out the work on). Worse than that I got a "parking brake service" message on the dash and a second message indicating that "parking brake is not fully released" (which it was!). That wasn't so bad but because of the second message I got this incessant chime (like the seatbelt chime) that would not go away even while driving. Needless to say my wife (who drives this car) was not impressed.

Since EPB
signal was getting to the LHS and since I had moved the RHS caliper around a few times while accessing various parts in the wheel well I figured it must be either the motor/actuator or a stuck piston.

I took the motor/actuator right off the caliper and applied 12V to it...nothing. I then gently tapped it with a hammer and tried it again. It worked...but only for a few seconds. I then used the hammer once more. It worked...for a bit longer. I tapped a third time and it ran better. I let the motor spin for about a minute and carefully re-assembled. Problem fixed.

I hope this can be of value. That is one delicate motor. I'm not convinced that it will not present issues in the future but it's good for now.

Go figure, some times the Fonzi approach really does work.

[Model flyer]

Hi I haven't had to service my parking brake yet but can't help feeling it needs some form of lubrication as it sounds very dry when its setting or releasing. I wonder if the actuator in your brake is sticking due to lack of lube ? Generally a sharp tap with a hammer will releasestuck items so it might be worth enquiring is lubricant is used/needed. Thanks for the tip though

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by Model flyer

Hi I haven't had to service my parking brake yet but can't help feeling it needs some form of lubrication as it sounds very dry when its setting or releasing. I wonder if the actuator in your brake is sticking due to lack of lube ? Generally a sharp tap with a hammer will releasestuck items so it might be worth enquiring is lubricant is used/needed. Thanks for the tip though

I wondered that myself but the unit seems to be sealed up tight (i.e. no screws). I have to say that it feels very "cheap" - light as a feather and when you shake it doesn't feel good and solid.