Drum Brake Shoes - Rear

Replace rear drum brake shoes on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, including drum removal, shoe replacement, and adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake shoe set (both wheels) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware spring kit (if not included with shoes) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if worn beyond specification) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel cylinder (if leaking) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• High-temperature brake grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Release parking brake completely before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two small Phillips screws securing the drum to the hub if present (these are retaining screws, not structural). If drum does not slide off easily, use adjustment hole access (small rubber plug on backing plate) to retract adjuster using flathead screwdriver. Turn adjuster star wheel to retract shoes. If drum is seized, tap gently around outer edge with rubber mallet. Do NOT strike center of drum.
2. 2

   Inspect and clean drum interior
   Once drum is removed, spray brake cleaner liberally on all components and wipe with clean rags. Inspect drum interior surface for scoring, heat cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum diameter if possible - drums exceeding maximum diameter must be replaced. Clean drum interior thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush. Set drum aside on clean surface.
3. 3

   Document assembly configuration
   Before disassembly, take photos of the brake assembly from multiple angles to reference during reassembly. Note the routing of springs, position of adjuster mechanism, and parking brake cable attachment. Pay special attention to upper and lower return spring positions and adjuster lever orientation.
4. 4

   Remove upper return spring
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the two brake shoes at the top. This spring is under significant tension - control removal to prevent injury. Store spring for comparison with new hardware kit.
5. 5

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Remove the hold-down springs and pins securing each shoe to the backing plate. These typically use a spring-loaded cup that must be pressed and rotated 90 degrees to release from the pin. Use brake pliers or appropriate tool to compress spring while rotating cup. Remove both shoes' hold-down assemblies.
6. 6

   Disconnect adjuster assembly
   Remove the adjuster lever spring, then remove the adjuster lever from the leading shoe. Remove the lower return spring connecting the two shoes. Separate the adjuster screw assembly. Note which direction the adjuster was installed - it is directional (left and right sides use different orientations). Clean adjuster threads with wire brush and inspect for damage.
7. 7

   Remove parking brake lever
   Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever on the trailing (rear) shoe. Remove the C-clip, washer, or spring clip securing the parking brake lever to the shoe. Remove lever and transfer to new trailing shoe in exact same orientation. Ensure parking brake lever pivots freely on new shoe.
8. 8

   Inspect wheel cylinder and backing plate
   With shoes removed, inspect wheel cylinder for any signs of brake fluid leakage (wetness or staining around dust boots). Pull back dust boots carefully to check for fluid. If any leakage is present, wheel cylinder must be replaced. Inspect backing plate for damage, corrosion, or bent shoe contact pads. Clean all shoe contact points on backing plate with wire brush.
9. 9

   Prepare and install new brake shoes
   Apply small amount of high-temperature brake grease to the six raised contact points on backing plate where shoes rest (do not over-apply - excess can contaminate friction material). Verify parking brake lever is installed on new trailing shoe. Position new shoes onto backing plate and install hold-down pins and springs, ensuring shoes are properly seated in wheel cylinder slots at top.
10. 10

    Install adjuster and springs
    Install lower return spring between shoes. Install adjuster screw assembly in correct orientation (threads should advance adjuster when star wheel is rotated upward). Install adjuster lever on leading shoe with spring. Connect adjuster lever spring. Verify adjuster mechanism operates freely and lever engages star wheel properly. Install upper return spring using brake spring pliers.
11. 11

    Pre-adjust brake shoes
    Using a brake shoe adjustment gauge set to the inside diameter of the drum (or measure drum directly), adjust the star wheel until shoes are slightly smaller than drum diameter (approximately 1mm less). This pre-adjustment ensures drum will install and reduces initial self-adjustment period. Verify shoes are centered on backing plate and all components move freely.
12. 12

    Install brake drum
    Clean drum mounting surface on hub. Slide drum over shoes - it should require slight resistance. If drum will not fit, back off adjuster slightly. Ensure parking brake cable is properly positioned and not binding. Install drum retaining screws if equipped (these are not critical and can be omitted if damaged). Repeat entire procedure on opposite rear wheel.
13. 13

    Install wheels and perform initial torque
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tires just touch ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Finalize and adjust brakes
    Lower vehicle completely to ground and remove jack stands. Perform final torque on lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Pump brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until firm pedal is achieved - this centers shoes in drums. Apply and release parking brake 3-4 times to seat parking brake mechanism. Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed, making several gentle stops to verify brake operation and complete automatic adjustment.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all springs and hardware are properly installed per photos taken during disassembly
3. Verify adjuster mechanism orientation is correct for each side (left/right specific)
4. Parking brake lever must be on trailing (rear) shoe with cable properly connected

Verification

• Brake pedal should achieve firm, high position within 3-4 pumps after wheel installation
• No unusual noises (grinding, scraping) should be heard when rotating wheels by hand
• Parking brake should hold vehicle on moderate incline without rolling
• Test drive in safe area: brakes should apply smoothly without pulling to either side
• No brake warning lights should be illuminated on instrument cluster
• After 200 miles of normal driving, verify brake adjustment and re-check for any fluid leaks at wheel cylinders
• Bedding period: Avoid hard braking for first 100-200 miles to allow proper shoe-to-drum mating

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