EPB Module Replacement

[Oztourer]

Has anyone out there replaced an EPB and if so how hard is it? After getting new rotors and park brake pads my module still squeals like a banshee!! Do I go new or try second hand?

[Disco-tastic]

I am wondering the same. AFAIK it is a pain (7hrs by a mechanic) and you need to do an initialisation for the new module with a diagnostic tool. Thats all i know tho.

I was under the car yesterday trying to unjam the mechanism with no luck. Off to the mechanic to see if his set of tools and additional perserverance will unjam it.

If you havent already, try the steps in this post. Access is difficult and prying the cover off the module is a right pain, but if you can unjam it it is still probably much easier than replacing the module.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic91299.html

Cheers

Dan

[Graeme]

I was under the car yesterday trying to unjam the mechanism with no luck. Off to the mechanic to see if his set of tools and additional perserverance will unjam it.

Just checking that you have pulled the release cable.

[Disco-tastic]

Yep. Thanks graeme. the EPB was jammed on so had to to get the car moving again.

Unfortunately, i had heard the EPB screech but didnt think anything of it until it jammed. I wasnt aware of the problems then, but i sure am now!

Cheers

Dan

[Oztourer]

I am wondering the same. AFAIK it is a pain (7hrs by a mechanic) and you need to do an initialisation for the new module with a diagnostic tool. Thats all i know tho.

I was under the car yesterday trying to unjam the mechanism with no luck. Off to the mechanic to see if his set of tools and additional perserverance will unjam it.

If you havent already, try the steps in this post. Access is difficult and prying the cover off the module is a right pain, but if you can unjam it it is still probably much easier than replacing the module.

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How To - EPB repair/Unjam + Relatch

Cheers

Dan

Thanks Dan
Fortunately my module isn't jammed (yet!!). I've read that post before but am considering a replacement module - new or second hand.

With your vehicle, have you tried releasing the brake by driving off in reverse? I've read you can have some luck with this method - just don't force things too much!!
Good luck with it.
Matt

[Disco-tastic]

I've already used the manual release.

Do you mean that if it's jammed driving backwards will a) tension the cable and b) tell the motor to unwind? Argh! I cant try it as there's no way of reconnecting the brake without unjamming the module first.

Graeme, is there an auto method to reconnect the park brake once the manual release is used, or do you need a diagnostic tool? Would it be worth trying to get the module to unwind while trying to manually unjam it?

Cheers

Dan

[Graeme]

The 1st activation after a manual release reconnects the cables but does not apply the brake. Operate a 2nd time if the brake is required, assuming that the mechanism wasn't so jammed that it couldn't reconnect.

[Disco-tastic]

Its pretty jammed. Its hard to get any force on the brass rod so any additional force is welcome.

Matt, sorry for thread hijack. I shall retreat and watch with interest.

Cheers

Dan

[Disco Stu]

Hi Disco-Tastic. I mentioned this briefly in a post to Austourer earlier. Perhaps it will help your situation also.



Safely position Yourself under your car after removing Exhaust,Heatshield etc. Gain access to your EPB module. Remove the wiring plug from the side of the module > Remove the front cover plate from EPB module.

Identify the Electric motor within the assembly, it looks like a Battery drill or RC car motor. > There will be 2 wires that power the motor, one positive 12v and one ground. You need to detach these wires, one from the PCB which is positive and the other which is ground. The wires are color coded so be sure to remember there correct configuration for re-assembly later on.



Find yourself any 12v battery, it can be any size or type aslong as its 12v. Rig yourself up a couple of mini jumper leads out of some spare insulated wire.




You now want to hold the Negative wire from your mini jumper pack on the positive wire from the EPB motor, Hold it firm between your finger tips. take the positive wire from your jumper pack and carefully just brush or poke the exposed end of the Negative wire on the EPB motor. You will witness a small spark and hear your motor run for a split second.

Momentarily reversing the polarity on the little motor has done 2 things, it has unjammed the Module screw jack assembly and has also Freed up the brushes & stator in the motor itself.


This problem occurs after the park Brake Shoes go un-adjusted for too long, eventually over extending and jamming the screw jack and burning the poor little motor.




Now that its freed up you can re-attach the emergency release mechanism inside the module (if you pulled it) Spend some time looking over your brake shoes, pull the rotor off, give the drum shoe assembly a tap with a soft hammer from all angles, blow out with compressed air if available, detach the outer cable connections and pull the cables with your hand, really get those drums flexing and operating the way they're supposed to. Add some light oil to the adjuster and springs.


Reassemble the rotors and carry out the EPB adjustment procedure, wind the adjuster until its firm on the rotor then back it off 10 clicks.
Once you've done this step you can go back to the EPB module.

There are no force gauges or sensors hooked up at this stage DO NOT manually over extend. only wind it within an inch either end of the screw travel. Using your Jumper Pack again wind the EPB back and forth, this will give you a chance to prove your motor is still alive, and also a good opportunity to get some grease on the screw assembly.


Leave the Assembly in the slack or park brake off position. (its up to you if you want to refit the EPB cover at this stage, You can leave it off for the first couple of runs) Re attach the wiring plug into the side of the EPB.


Pop your bonnet and perform an ECU hard reset (Not essential but worth doing) reconnect battery. With the car still on jacks and the rear wheels still off jump in the drivers seat with all the cabin doors closed. lock and unlock the car from inside with the key remote. Insert key in ignition, foot on brake, start the vehicle in park. let it run for 30 seconds or so. actuate the EPB switch up momentarily, you will hear the old familiar sound of the cable stretch and the motor laboring. Press the EPB button to deactivate. Go ahead and do this 3 or 4 times.




Once done and happy, readjust the EPB drum shoes (Tight - minus 10 clicks) refit EPB cover, heat shroud, exhaust, rear wheels, spare wheel.

Job Done. You will save yourself a couple of thousand dollars on a new Module by doing this. I've done 2 separate vehicles successfully this way, mine hasn't missed a beat in 40,000 klms.


It should take you the best part of a full weekend.


Good Luck. Joel

[Disco-tastic]

Thanks mate.

I took it to the mechanic and he managed to unjam it. Just have to adjust the shoes and should be all good again. Hopefully i wont have to do it agan for as long as i have it

Cheers

Dan