seized BMW X5 E70 handbrake repair 

Great video thank you. Mine got stuck parking on a steep hill, after a battle to pull the emergency release with the tool and a ratchet strap i got home. Managed to take back off unit and get access without even jacking up the X5 or taking wheels off - just unscrewed end caps and twisted over the unit. Then unscrewed cover then motor and gearbox and freed up jammed mechanism. Used 12v battery to move motor and get all available thread to click back together the two halves from being released. I could not get car to reset from failure mode/yellow light with any in car method. Had to use my Launch 126 diagnostic unit and run through brake reset procedure to get it going and clear yellow light.

I recently encountered an issue with my 2013 BMW 530D Gran Turismo's handbrake, which began exhibiting a grinding noise approximately three weeks ago while engaging the parking brake. This problem aligned with the symptoms described in your informative video, leading me to hypothesize a malfunction in the load sensor within the actuator. Initially, the handbrake was functional albeit accompanied by the grinding sound, but it eventually ceased to operate. Upon conducting a comprehensive service check, I utilized the BMW Link application to execute a service reset. Subsequently, I engaged the handbrake in service mode. However, upon reverting from service mode, multiple error indications surfaced on the dashboard, reminiscent of a 'Christmas tree' light display. One critical error message suggested a failure in the ribbon or cable, although I regret not capturing a photographic record of these error messages. Following the guidance provided in your video, I dismantled the actuator. Inspection of the cable connected to the left hub revealed a missing termination lug, and I discovered the detached lug within the hub itself. This led me to conclude that the cable's failure was likely precipitated by the activation of service mode, as the issue became evident post-activation. In pursuit of a resolution, I had the cable professionally repaired at a local hydraulic shop (refer to the attached photographs for details). Remarkably, after reinstalling the repaired cable, the handbrake issue was completely resolved. I extend my gratitude for the clear instructions and invaluable assistance provided by your video.

Awesome video full details with Q&A already answered video is full detailed to help you fix the problem fully informed video thank you.

Thank you! Greetings from Brazil!

Great video I've replaced the actuator but I'm still getting the stuck screaching noise, would anyone have any suggestions?

I replaced the electric motor on mine and it works great now. So happy with the amount of money I saved.

I think even if you pull the emergency release cable, the actuator will reset on first use re-attaching the sensor? I've had to pull the emergency release before and after my parking brake worked as expected for several months before getting stuck again.

Thanks alot. Really good video

A little tip for everyone, to get the other side off just take the terminals off the motor ( red and black wires) and get a 12 volt battery and put the - black to the red terminal and the red + to the black and it will reverse the motor and undo it it saves taking the wheel off

Hi, What did you have to replace the second time round? Thanks Tom

Crazy the amount of engineering that goes into a little ebrake actuator. Personally I dont want to deal with the headache of it breaking so I rarely ever use mine, although I would like to use it more often especially since I have the auto hold feature on my X5 but Im worried of being at an intersection and the darn thing seizing on me and getting stuck on the road.

Great video thank you very much

We did the same on our Bmw 530 gt worked a dream only thing taking brake cable out the drum 6mm Alan key bolt that you can’t see on the inside have to feel for it a pain to put back in thanks for your vid

Great video, had the same problem and replaced the sensor. Problem now is trying get the car to recognise the new sensor

Brilliant video thanks. My issue is my emergency release cable won't release my brake! Luckily I was parked at home. I'm going to remove the actuator and attempt a repair. Again thanks for the video im a lot more comfortable doing it now 👍🏼😊

I have this on a Ford focus. There is only the faintest click when the actuator is lifted.

Hey Nate all I wanna do is change the module it says when I scan faulty module do I have to remove all the cables ? I recently changed the handbreak canble as it was stuck but. Now I can’t use handbreak it needs resetting but when I try to scan it says duality module

Great video and well explained. Unfortunately my car is not x5 but BMW 530xd GT LCI 2013. The problem with my handbrake is that it will simply not hold the car.. I can hear the motor working on/off, no warnings but when car is in Neutral and up/downhill, the handbrake is not holding it.

My negative motor terminal was broken off. I replaced the motor and will be installing back in my E70 X5D later today.

Hey thanks for the video I have exactly the same issue currently fixing now. I have a slight issue. They bowden cable with the long thread is fully released. I had to cut it as the release failed. However after disconnecting the cable inside the hub so its free taking it out of the rubber clip and taking off the retaining bracket/clip that holds the cable into the back of the hub it still won't come out of the hub.... I am fairly sure that there are no more clips or fixings holing it in. I hit it trying to free it up from any rust etc but still no joy it simply won't pull out.... Any ideas I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thank you!

Great video.How is your hand brake no.Is it still ok?I have exactly the same issue now in my x5.I have took it out and srip it down.The gear is fine and motor to.Do you thing I shold buy and replace the same sensor like you did?.Thanks

Hello. Anyone know where to order parts for an aculator? need to order tensioner

where did you get the force meter?

Can you give the link to the part you replaced ?

I know this is an older video, but I'm wondering how you figured out that it was the force sensor that was the problem? I bought a used actuator and the bowdoin cable with the long screw is not coming out enough to unscrew.

@TheNaturalselecta can you share the link to force sensor on eBay?

Hi great video btw my question is if I tugged the emergency release in the boot do I need to take the module apart to reconnect the force sensor you mentioned or will it reattach itself when u apply the handbrake

Cosa hai cambiato ??? Gli ingranaggi ??

how did you removed the seized drum from the hub?

Tengo un bmw 318y y le doy a encender abece da aprende y presenta toda la luces del tablero y no prende es buscado por todo lo lado y no encuentro el ploblema

How did you determine that the force sensor was the fault thanks.

where can i get a forcemetre please? my electric motor is working properly, so it must be the force meter. Can you please post an ebay link or something ?? mines a 2009 F02, the model is the one with the clips and gasket glue. No bolts. ..thanks in advance !

I have exectly the same Problem. Me Problem is that I dont know what is the Name of the force Sensor in German or what Name you tiped in on ebay. Do you have the Partnumber or a ebaysearchword for ebay for the force Sensor. Thank you Sir

Scenic 2003 of renault similar sistem.

Hi,would you mind send us a link where you bought this part?

Hi my e70 jumps back into parking what could be the problem

Great Informative video TheNaturalselecta! help me a lot to work on my vehicle and remove the actuator. Regards.

Holy smashed thumb! That looks painful

Handbreak parking on yellow stuck I tried manual release I tried fuse removal nothing working so I guess it’s this ? Also I heard a loud noise for 5 seconds when I opened the door ! Then this issue hapoend with my handbreak

Is it possible to reattach the force censor without opening the whole module after a emergency releasing?

Why the h.ck does it have the emergency release, if it's useless?

In case anyone's interested, my thumb (injured during this repair) is still not back to normal!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="160">2:40</a> OMG what happened to your thumb?

Your thumb nail bruh