brakes
Drum Brake Hardware Kit
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
15
Steps
14
Replace drum brake hardware kit on the rear drum brakes, including springs, adjusters, and hold-down clips to restore proper brake function and safety.
Warnings
⚠️SAFETY-CRITICAL BRAKE SYSTEM: Incorrect installation can result in complete brake failure, causing injury or death. If you are unsure about any step, seek professional service immediately.
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠️Brake dust may contain asbestos or harmful materials. Never use compressed air to clean brake components. Use brake cleaner spray and work in a well-ventilated area.
⚠Drum brake springs are under high tension and can cause injury if released improperly. Use proper spring tools and wear eye protection.
⚠Work on ONE brake assembly at a time, keeping the opposite side assembled as a reference.
ℹ️Take photos of the brake assembly before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Lug wrench or 21mm socketEssential
Torque wrench (100-150 Nm range)Essential
Drum brake spring tool setEssential
Brake hold-down spring toolEssential
Needle nose pliers
Flat head screwdriver
Wire brush
Brake cleaner sprayEssential
Rubber mallet
Nitrile glovesEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Brake adjusting spoon tool
Parts
- Drum brake hardware kit (springs, adjusters, clips) × 2 — Use OEM Hyundai specification or quality aftermarket
- Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
- High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Ceramic-based brake lubricant
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in Park
- Apply parking brake firmly (note: this may need to be released if rear brakes do not release fully)
- Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
- Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
- Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
- Remove rear wheels completely
- If parking brake prevents drum removal, release parking brake cable tension or back off adjuster through access hole in backing plate
Procedure
- 1Remove brake drumRemove the drum retaining screw if present (some models use Phillips screw). Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe contact, tap gently around outer edge with rubber mallet. If still stuck, use adjuster access hole on backing plate to back off star wheel adjuster with brake spoon tool. Mark drum for reinstallation in same position.
- 2Document and clean assemblyTake clear photos of brake assembly from multiple angles before touching anything. This is your reference for spring positions and routing. Spray brake assembly thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to drip dry. Do NOT use compressed air. Wipe backing plate with clean rag.⚠️Do not blow brake dust with compressed air - may contain harmful materials. Use only brake cleaner spray.
- 3Remove upper return springsUsing brake spring tool, carefully unhook the upper return springs connecting the two brake shoes at the top. These are under significant tension. Hook the tool onto the spring end, rotate to release from shoe anchor post. Note the orientation and position of each spring. Remove springs slowly to prevent injury.⚠Springs are under high tension. Control the spring tool carefully to prevent spring from flying loose and causing injury.
- 4Remove hold-down springs and pinsRemove brake shoe hold-down springs using hold-down spring tool. Press tool against hold-down cup, rotate 90 degrees to align slot with pin, then release. Remove cup, spring, and pin from each brake shoe. Keep hardware organized for each shoe position.
- 5Remove leading brake shoeDisconnect lower return spring from leading shoe (front shoe) using spring tool. Remove adjuster lever spring if present. Lift leading shoe out of slot at bottom and remove from backing plate. Note position of any washers or shims.
- 6Remove adjuster mechanism and trailing shoeRemove the adjuster screw assembly connecting the shoes. Note the position - threaded adjusters have left and right hand threads (not interchangeable between sides). Disconnect parking brake cable from trailing shoe lever by compressing spring and unhooking cable. Remove trailing shoe from backing plate.ℹ️Left and right adjuster mechanisms are different and not interchangeable. Mark which side each came from.
- 7Clean and inspect backing plateClean backing plate thoroughly with brake cleaner, paying attention to shoe contact pads and wheel cylinder area. Inspect wheel cylinder for leaks (fluid seepage around dust boots). Check backing plate for cracks or damage. Wire brush any rust from shoe contact pads.
- 8Install new hardware kit components on backing plateApply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to six raised shoe contact pads on backing plate (do not over-apply). Clean old adjuster mechanism with brake cleaner and verify operation, or install new adjuster from kit. Lubricate adjuster threads lightly with brake grease and verify it turns smoothly. Retract adjuster fully.
- 9Install trailing shoe assemblyPosition trailing shoe (rear shoe with larger lining typically) onto backing plate. Connect parking brake lever to cable by compressing spring and hooking cable end. Install NEW hold-down pin through backing plate from rear, place spring and cup over pin on shoe, then use hold-down tool to compress, rotate 90 degrees and lock in place.
- 10Install adjuster and leading shoeConnect adjuster mechanism to trailing shoe lower end. Position leading shoe into place, engaging with adjuster at bottom. Ensure shoe sits properly in wheel cylinder slot at top. Install NEW hold-down pin, spring and cup for leading shoe using hold-down tool.
- 11Install new return springsInstall NEW lower return spring between shoes at bottom using spring tool. Install NEW upper return springs at top anchor post. Ensure springs are properly seated in shoe slots and have correct tension. Install adjuster lever spring if equipped. Compare assembly to photo reference taken earlier to verify all components match.⚠Verify spring positions match your reference photos exactly. Incorrect spring installation can cause brake failure.
- 12Verify assembly and install drumDouble-check that all springs are properly installed and shoes are seated in wheel cylinder slots and adjuster. Install brake drum in original position. Install drum retaining screw if equipped. Pump brake pedal several times to set shoes. Adjust brake shoes using star wheel through access hole until slight drag is felt when rotating drum, then back off 5-6 clicks until drum rotates freely with minimal drag.
- 13Repeat for opposite sideRepeat entire procedure for opposite rear brake assembly. Use the completed first side as reference if needed. Ensure both sides are assembled identically with proper spring positions and adjuster settings.
- 14Install wheels and torqueInstall rear wheels onto hubs. Start all lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- After initial test drive, re-check drum adjustment - drums may need slight adjustment after initial bedding
- Verify parking brake operation and adjust cable if necessary at equalizer under vehicle
- Some brake pulsation during first few stops is normal as new hardware settles
Verification
- Pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should be firm and consistent, not spongy
- Test parking brake - should hold vehicle on incline within 5-7 clicks
- Perform test drive in safe area at low speed, verify brakes apply evenly without pulling
- Perform several moderate stops from 25-30 mph to seat hardware
- Listen for any unusual noises - light scraping during first few miles is normal as shoes bed in
- Re-check lug nut torque after 50 miles of driving
- If brake pedal is low or soft, brake adjustment may be needed - do not drive until corrected
- If vehicle pulls during braking or brakes grab unevenly, immediately inspect for incorrect installation