Replacing F15 Parking Brake Actuator

[Brah02]

I keep getting the error "parking brake reduced" and was told it could be the parking brake actuator. I ordered one and will be taking this job on tonight, I had a question though. Does anyone know if i'll need to replace the cables or can I just replace the control unit? Replacing the cables will require removing the wheels & rotors etc so will be a more labor intensive job vs just replacing the control unit.

[scotty339]

Depends on if you can get it into workshop mode and release the cables. This should help.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by scotty339

Depends on if you can get it into workshop mode and release the cables. This should help.

Is it just me or are the images completely non-legible

[CatalinP]

Click on the images...

[Bulletx5]

Originally Posted by Brah02

I keep getting the error "parking brake reduced" and was told it could be the parking brake actuator. I ordered one and will be taking this job on tonight, I had a question though. Does anyone know if i'll need to replace the cables or can I just replace the control unit? Replacing the cables will require removing the wheels & rotors etc so will be a more labor intensive job vs just replacing the control unit.

I replaced pads, discs, shoes, caliper bolts, cleaned everything down, regreased and refit including the actuator and cables. I think youre better off taking everything apart, if the tension sensor was to blame, chances are the cables are damaged. Better to be safe than sorry!

[patrocle]

So did you get a new original or aftermarket? did you had to program to the car? or worked out of the box? Have 2017 x5 f15 and need to replace my p-brake and thinking of going with aftermarket new one, Thanks

[Bulletx5]

I bought one from a crashed x5 for a fraction of the cost. €300. Included Bowden cables and everything.

You don’t need to code it to the car but you will need to calibrate the tension on the parking brake shoes initially. I did this as a precaution but You could probably get away with no doing the calibration to be honest.

BMW recommends 7 turns to the right of the brake shoe tensioner wheel on each side when the shoes are new. For the small cost, replace everything on the back and do the 7 turns so you won’t have to calibrate it. If you decide to give it a go let me know. Happy to answer any questions if it helps 👍

[BeachsideF30]

I’m dealing with this too, it goes on and off every other day now

[patrocle]

Originally Posted by Bulletx5

I bought one from a crashed x5 for a fraction of the cost. €300. Included Bowden cables and everything.

You don’t need to code it to the car but you will need to calibrate the tension on the parking brake shoes initially. I did this as a precaution but You could probably get away with no doing the calibration to be honest.

BMW recommends 7 turns to the right of the brake shoe tensioner wheel on each side when the shoes are new. For the small cost, replace everything on the back and do the 7 turns so you won’t have to calibrate it. If you decide to give it a go let me know. Happy to answer any questions if it helps 👍

Thanks for that info.
Well i got a new after market one as i don't want to put a used one and a new oem is like $1300. Should come this week, and also order rotor pads and sensor to replace those is are all most done.
Now, regarding the calibrate the p-brake shoe tension, is that done with a obd scanner? As i am not going to replace the p-brake shoes as i checked the shoes few weeks ago and they where fine.

[patrocle]

Originally Posted by BeachsideF30

I’m dealing with this too, it goes on and off every other day now

I guess your amber light comes on and off? U done anything yet?

[BeachsideF30]

Originally Posted by patrocle

I guess your amber light comes on and off? U done anything yet?

Yea it comes on and off every other day I’d say. I’ll let the dealer deal with it at its next oil in 2k, it’s still under CPO. I’ll report back with there findings

[patrocle]

Originally Posted by Bulletx5

I bought one from a crashed x5 for a fraction of the cost. €300. Included Bowden cables and everything.

You don’t need to code it to the car but you will need to calibrate the tension on the parking brake shoes initially. I did this as a precaution but You could probably get away with no doing the calibration to be honest.

BMW recommends 7 turns to the right of the brake shoe tensioner wheel on each side when the shoes are new. For the small cost, replace everything on the back and do the 7 turns so you won’t have to calibrate it. If you decide to give it a go let me know. Happy to answer any questions if it helps 👍

Now, if the shoes are the same and not changed then the "calibrate the tension" needs to be done or just install the actuator with cable and you good to go? My pads are in good shape from what i saw.

[patrocle]

Originally Posted by BeachsideF30

Yea it comes on and off every other day I’d say. I’ll let the dealer deal with it at its next oil in 2k, it’s still under CPO. I’ll report back with there findings

Thanks!.

[atopa2002]

Originally Posted by patrocle

Thanks!.

Did the AFTERMARKET Parking Brake Actuator Control Module work?
Having same issue and want to go the aftermarket route

Thanks

[patrocle]

Originally Posted by atopa2002

Did the AFTERMARKET Parking Brake Actuator Control Module work?
Having same issue and want to go the aftermarket route

Thanks

Yes, it did work for me.

[patrocle]

This is the one i got:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185767157161
but you have to make sure it fits your year.
Also the one i got it was not adjusted right, per the 3 turn rule.
My brake pads i left the old ones. Some say to put brand new.
If the actuator cables are not connected to the brake rotors assy do not press the p-brake button in the cab as it will mess up the adjustments. All must be connected.
After install , and before plug in the connector, clear the codes. Then connect, test, drive.
When i did it i took the rotors down, and when the cable need's to go into the hole behind the rotor there is a way to take the cable lock mechanism off it will be easier to lock the cable in. Right side is easier to do, but the left is little harder to lock it in.

Good luck.

[BMWTANGO]

Does anyone know if the parking actuator connects to its own wiring loom straight back to the handbrake switch, or is it connected to the main wiring loom? can identify the plugs and cables on realoem.
thanks in advance.