My epb makes a sort of groaning noise when I pull the key out of the ignition.

I just lubed the cables, but the noise is still present, though not quite as loud as before.

Could the epb actuator motor be on its last legs?

 

It could. Mine's made a similar noise for the last 7 years.

 

I'd pull the motor/actuator apart for inspection and regreasing. They've been known to become water contaminated. I'm amazed that mine has never given any trouble despite what I've put it through..

 

Access is dire (on mine at least).

I'm not sure the best way to describe the noise. Doesn't sound bad, more like a deep-noted whirring consistent with an electric motor under load.

 

Yes, dire on mine as well! ('03 3.0)

The sound is more like someone saying "Hhmmmmm!",with a raised eyebrow and beard stroking lol...although more mechanical sounding!( My 2 1/2 year old son imitates it when he's in the car!)

Well JagV8, if you've had the noise for 7 years, I won't worry about it either.

I was paranoid of being stranded so I used to hold the epb paddle down while pulling the key out of the ignition, but grew tired of doing that every time.

I thought it was ridiculous to have that feature on an automatic, that everytime you park, the pb is applied. In other cars, I would only apply it on steep incline/ declines to relieve the transmission parking pawl. I know it can be disabled via IDS.

Mikey thanks for the advice, but like Jag said where its located, I think I'd rather replace the unit at that point ( although I've never priced one, I'd probably re think that one!)

 

If and when your EPB fails, chances are you will not be stranded. When my '03 3.0 actuator failed it made a grinding, crunching noise and then the EPB simply stopped working, but brakes didn't lock. Someone else here has a broken EPB cable and his brakes didn't lock either. Seems the EPB is designed to fail in the disengaged position, so probably no worries there.

When the EPB fails, you will most likely hear an annoying, rapid, high pitched beep coming from the dash when you start the car and when you shut it off. Lots of chatter on the forum about that beep; someone recently posted a video of it.

It's worth reading up on EPB failure now if you think yours is on its way out. Thankfully, EPB replacement parts aren't that expensive.

 

Well that's good news Jumpin' Jag Flash, thanks for sharing that info!

I'll eventually replace the actuator, but the car has more important issues to be tended to first.

 

I have the same noise and it's normal.
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