Otis Singleton
The transition from manual to electronic parking brakes has brought new challenges, especially when it comes to servicing and repairs. In the event of an electrical system failure, a manual release of the electronic parking brake may be required. This process varies depending on the vehicle's design, and it's important to refer to the manufacturer's service information. This guide will provide a general overview of how to manually release an electronic parking brake, including the steps of locating the rear brake caliper, removing the electromechanical parking brake motor, and turning the caliper piston adjustment bolt to release the brake caliper.
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What You'll Learn
Jack up your vehicle and locate the rear brake caliper
Jacking up your vehicle is a common procedure for changing a tire or inspecting brakes. However, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents or damage to your car. Firstly, ensure your vehicle is on firm, level ground and engage the parking brake to prevent unwanted movement. Use wheel chocks or bricks to block the wheels, especially if you're on a slope or busy road.
Next, consult your vehicle's owner's manual to identify the correct placement for the jack. Different vehicles have different support points, so it's important to refer to the manual or seek advice from a dealership or automotive expert if you're unsure. Once you've identified the correct placement, place the jack under the vehicle, and if using jack stands, position them near the jack.
Now, you can start the process of jacking up the vehicle. Use the jack handle or wrench to lift the vehicle, taking it from its lowest point to its highest point with even strokes. If using a scissor jack, insert the rod or wrench over the knob and crank. For a hydraulic jack, place the handle into the appropriate location and pump up and down.
Once the vehicle is safely raised and stable, you can get under the vehicle to locate the rear brake caliper. This is usually found at the back of the vehicle, and you may need to refer to your vehicle's repair manual to identify the exact location. Once you've located the rear brake caliper, you can proceed with the necessary repairs or adjustments. Remember to reverse the process when you're finished, carefully lowering the vehicle back to the ground and removing the jack and stands.
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Remove bolts holding the motor to the caliper housing
To manually release the electronic parking brake, you must first jack up your vehicle and locate the rear brake caliper. The electromechanical parking brake motor will be mounted here, and it is important to determine whether it is serviceable or not. If it is serviceable, there will be bolts holding the motor onto the caliper housing.
The next step is to remove these bolts. It is important to note that you should not unplug the electromechanical parking brake motor, as this could cause the system to lose its basic settings. In some cases, unplugging the motor could even require you to replace the brake caliper or the electromechanical parking brake motor.
Once the bolts are removed, carefully remove the electromechanical parking brake motor. Ensure that neither the motor nor the harness gets caught on any suspension components. Secure this part safely away from the vehicle.
Now that the bolts have been removed and the motor set aside, you can proceed to release the brake caliper.
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Secure the electromechanical parking brake motor
To secure the electromechanical parking brake motor, you must first gain access to the rear brake caliper. This can be done by raising the vehicle with a lift or by using a floor jack and jack stands. Ensure that the jack stands are secure and stable. Once the vehicle is safely raised, get under it and locate the rear brake caliper.
Look at how the electromechanical parking brake motor is mounted. If it is serviceable, it will have bolts holding it onto the aluminium caliper housing. Do not unplug the electromechanical parking brake motor, as it could cause the system to lose its basic settings and may require you to replace the brake caliper and/or the electromechanical parking brake motor.
After locating the bolts holding the motor to the caliper housing, carefully remove them. Take care not to catch the motor or harness on any of the suspension components. Secure this part out of the way.
It is important to note that this procedure may not apply to all vehicles, as there are several different designs. Always refer to the service information provided by the manufacturer.
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Turn the caliper piston adjustment bolt to release the brake caliper
To manually release the electronic parking brake, you must first jack up your vehicle and locate the rear brake caliper. Once you've done this, you can remove the bolts holding the electromechanical parking brake motor to the caliper housing. It's important not to unplug the motor, as this could cause the system to lose its settings and may require you to replace the brake caliper or motor.
Now, you can turn the caliper piston adjustment bolt to release the brake caliper. Use the correct socket that fits into the back of the caliper piston and turn it half a turn to a full turn. This will release the brake caliper. Be sure to do this on both sides.
At this point, you can remove the vehicle from the jack stands, being careful not to let the electromechanical parking brake motors catch on any suspension components. After making the necessary repairs, you will need to reverse this procedure. On newer systems, the control module will automatically adjust, but in some cases, you may need to clear faults.
It's important to note that there are different designs for electronic parking brakes, and this method may not apply to all. Always refer to the service information provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, make sure you are in a safe location where no other vehicles can come into contact with you while you are working.
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Reverse the procedure after repair
To reverse the procedure after repairing the electromechanical parking brake, carefully reconnect the electromechanical parking brake motor, ensuring it does not catch on any suspension components. Securely tighten the bolts to fix the motor back onto the aluminium caliper housing.
Once the motor is securely in place, lower the vehicle by removing the jack stands. Ensure the electromechanical parking brake motors do not catch on any suspension components while lowering the vehicle.
After lowering the vehicle, the control module will relearn the air gap between the brake pads and rotors. This is achieved by operating the electronic parking brake a few times. However, in certain cases, there may be faults that need to be cleared.
It is important to note that there are different designs of electronic parking brakes, and this method may not apply to all. Always refer to the service information provided by the manufacturer for specific instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is an electrical system failure, the parking brake may become stuck and inoperable.
Ensure that the surface is stable enough to support the jack. If you are doing this in a parking lot, make sure that you are in a safe spot where no other vehicles could come into contact with you.
First, jack up your vehicle and locate the rear brake caliper. Then, remove the bolts holding the electromechanical parking brake motor to the caliper housing. Carefully remove the motor, being careful not to catch it on any suspension components. Secure this part out of the way. Next, use the correct socket to turn the caliper piston adjustment bolt 1/2 to one full turn on both sides. Finally, lower your vehicle, ensuring that the motor does not catch on any suspension components.
After completing the repair, you will need to reverse the procedure. On newer systems, the control module will relearn the air gap between the brake pads and rotors by operating the electronic parking brake a few times. However, in some cases, you may need to clear faults.
