This procedure covers the removal and installation of rear brake drums on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 engine and AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake (you will release it later during the procedure).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels to prevent rolling.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under rear axle or frame rail jacking points per owner's manual.
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake
   Fully release the parking brake from inside the vehicle. The parking brake mechanism is integrated with the rear brake shoes and will prevent drum removal if engaged. Verify the parking brake lever or pedal is fully released.
2. 2

   Inspect drum and remove retaining screws if present
   Examine the brake drum face. Some drums have Phillips or flat-head retaining screws that must be removed first. If present, remove these screws completely. These screws are often corroded and may require penetrating oil and an impact driver. Note: Not all Tucson drums use retaining screws.
3. 3

   Remove brake drum
   Grasp the drum firmly and pull straight outward away from the hub. If the drum is stuck due to rust or wear ridge, tap around the outer edge and face of the drum gently with a rubber mallet while pulling outward. Rotate the drum slightly while pulling to help break corrosion bond. If drum still will not release, the brake shoes may need to be retracted through the backing plate adjustment hole using a brake spoon tool.
4. 4

   Clean hub mounting surface
   With the drum removed, use a wire brush to clean the hub mounting surface where the drum seats. Remove all rust, scale, and debris. This ensures the new drum mounts flush and true. Spray the area with brake parts cleaner and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
5. 5

   Inspect brake components
   With the drum off, visually inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinder, springs, and backing plate for wear, damage, fluid leaks, or contamination. If shoes are worn near minimum thickness, wheel cylinder is leaking, or any components are damaged, those repairs should be addressed before installing new drums. This is not part of the drum replacement procedure but is important for safety.
6. 6

   Prepare new brake drum
   Remove any protective coating or shipping oil from the new brake drum using brake parts cleaner. Clean both the inner braking surface and the hub mounting surface. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub mounting surface (not the braking surface) to prevent future corrosion and facilitate easier removal.
7. 7

   Install new brake drum
   Align the new drum with the wheel studs and slide it straight onto the hub. Ensure it seats completely flush against the hub mounting surface. The drum should slide on with minimal resistance. If it binds or will not seat, do not force it—the brake shoes may need adjustment. Rotate the drum to verify it spins freely without excessive drag.
8. 8

   Install retaining screws if applicable
   If your drum uses retaining screws, install them now and tighten snugly by hand plus 1/4 turn. These screws only hold the drum during assembly and wheel installation; they are not torque-critical. Do not overtighten as they can strip or break.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Place the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the wheel studs. Install all lug nuts by hand, threading them on until snug. Do not fully tighten yet.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground with partial weight on it. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating. Fully lower the vehicle and perform a final torque check in the same star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite rear wheel to replace both rear drums.
2. Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake shoe-to-drum contact and pedal feel.
3. The parking brake may require adjustment after drum replacement. Consult service manual for parking brake adjustment procedure if pedal travel is excessive.

Verification

• Start the engine and pump the brake pedal. Pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor. Pedal travel should be normal.
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) and apply brakes gently. Braking should be smooth without pulling to one side.
• Verify parking brake holds the vehicle on a slight incline without excessive lever or pedal travel.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification to ensure they remain properly seated.
• Listen for any abnormal scraping, grinding, or squealing noises from the rear brakes during normal driving and braking.

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