Parking Brake Shoes

Replace the parking brake shoes on the rear wheels of a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, which uses a drum-in-hat style parking brake system integrated into the rear disc brake rotors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake shoe set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (springs and clips) × 1 — Usually included with shoe set
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Chock the front wheels securely in both directions
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at designated jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Verify parking brake is fully released (pedal/lever in lowest position)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Carefully lift the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire or caliper hanger to avoid stressing the brake hose - do not let it hang by the hose. If the rotor is stuck, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet to break it free. Remove the rotor to expose the parking brake drum assembly inside the rotor hat.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access and inspect parking brake assembly
   With the rotor removed, you will see the parking brake drum assembly with two shoes, upper and lower return springs, hold-down springs, adjuster mechanism, and actuator lever. Spray the entire assembly with brake parts cleaner and wipe clean with a rag. Inspect the drum surface inside the rotor hat for excessive wear, scoring, or heat damage. Take a photo of the assembly for reference during reassembly.
   ⚠Brake dust may contain harmful materials. Use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing fumes.
3. 3

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Using brake spring pliers or a hold-down spring tool, compress each hold-down spring cup while rotating it 90 degrees to align with the slot in the retaining pin. Release pressure and remove the spring, cup, and pin from each shoe. There are typically two hold-down assemblies, one per shoe. Keep these parts organized as they will be reused unless your hardware kit includes replacements.
   ⚠Hold-down springs are under tension. Control the spring during removal to prevent injury.
4. 4

   Remove upper and lower return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper return spring connecting the tops of both shoes. Then remove the lower return spring. Note the exact position and orientation of each spring for reinstallation. The springs are under significant tension - work carefully and ensure the pliers have a secure grip before releasing tension.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if they slip during removal. Ensure secure grip and keep hands clear of potential spring trajectory.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Locate the parking brake cable connection to the actuator lever on the rear shoe. Using needle-nose pliers or a flat-head screwdriver, carefully unhook the parking brake cable from the lever. Note the cable routing. Remove the adjuster mechanism connecting the bottom of the two shoes - this typically includes an adjuster screw, spring, and socket assembly. Separate both shoes from the backing plate and remove them as an assembly with the actuator lever still attached.
6. 6

   Transfer actuator lever to new shoe
   The parking brake actuator lever and associated hardware must be transferred from the old rear shoe to the new rear shoe. Remove the retaining clip or C-clip securing the lever pivot pin, then remove the lever, spring, and any washers. Note the exact orientation and order of all components. Install these components onto the new rear shoe in the same configuration, ensuring the spring provides proper tension to the lever and securing with the retaining clip.
7. 7

   Clean and lubricate backing plate
   Using a wire brush, clean all rust and debris from the backing plate shoe contact pads (typically 6 raised contact points where the shoes ride). Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant to these contact points only - do not get lubricant on the drum surface or shoe friction material. Clean the adjuster mechanism threads with a wire brush and apply a light coat of high-temperature lubricant to the adjuster screw threads. Manually verify the adjuster expands and contracts smoothly.
8. 8

   Install new parking brake shoes
   Connect the parking brake cable to the actuator lever on the new rear shoe. Position the rear shoe (with lever) on the backing plate. Install the front shoe on the backing plate. Connect the adjuster mechanism between the bottom of both shoes, ensuring the adjuster is oriented correctly (star wheel should be accessible from the back side of the backing plate). The adjuster typically installs with the star wheel toward the rear of the vehicle.
9. 9

   Install return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, install the lower return spring first, connecting the bottoms of both shoes. Then install the upper return spring connecting the tops of both shoes. Ensure springs are seated properly in their designated holes or slots on the shoes. Verify the shoes are centered on the backing plate and the adjuster is properly positioned.
   ⚠Brake return springs are under high tension during installation. Ensure secure grip and keep hands clear of potential spring trajectory.
10. 10

    Install hold-down springs and pins
    Install the hold-down pin through the backing plate and shoe web for each shoe. Place the hold-down spring and cup over the pin. Using brake spring pliers or hold-down spring tool, compress the spring cup while rotating 90 degrees to engage the slot. Release pressure to lock in place. Verify both hold-down assemblies are secure and the shoes are properly seated against the backing plate contact pads.
    Torque spec

    Hold-Down Springs8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Adjust parking brake shoes
    Before installing the rotor, pre-adjust the parking brake shoes. Using a brake adjusting spoon or flat-head screwdriver through the adjuster access hole in the backing plate, rotate the adjuster star wheel to expand the shoes outward. Continue expanding until the shoes are near their maximum diameter. You will perform final adjustment after rotor installation. Verify the parking brake cable has proper slack and the actuator lever moves freely.
12. 12

    Reinstall rotor and adjust parking brake
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the rotor over the parking brake assembly - it should slide on with moderate resistance. If the rotor will not fit, back off the adjuster slightly. Once the rotor is installed, rotate it by hand while adjusting the parking brake shoes outward (tightening the adjuster) until you feel slight drag. Then back off the adjuster 5-8 clicks until the rotor rotates freely with no drag. Verify the rotor rotates smoothly without binding.
13. 13

    Reinstall caliper and bracket assembly
    Remove the caliper from its support hanger. If necessary to retract the caliper piston for rotor clearance, use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to carefully press the piston back into the caliper bore. Position the caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor and align the mounting bolt holes. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification in a crisscross pattern. Verify the caliper is properly seated and the brake pads are correctly positioned on both sides of the rotor.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 on the opposite rear wheel. It is critical that both sides are serviced to ensure balanced parking brake performance. Use the same adjustment procedure to achieve consistent parking brake shoe clearance on both sides. Compare the adjuster positions between sides - they should be similar if the adjustment is correct.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground to prevent rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm to reseat the caliper pistons - the pedal should not go to the floor. Test the parking brake by applying it fully and verifying both rear wheels resist rotation equally.
    ⚠️Do not drive the vehicle until the brake pedal is pumped to restore hydraulic pressure and pedal firmness is verified.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure parking brake cable is properly routed and not kinked or damaged
3. Verify parking brake adjustment is equal on both sides for balanced operation
4. Double-check that all tools and parts have been removed from wheel wells before test driving

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should be firm and not sink to the floor
• Test parking brake operation on level ground by engaging parking brake fully and verifying vehicle will not roll in neutral with engine off
• Perform low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify normal brake pedal operation and no pulling to one side
• Test parking brake holding ability on a moderate incline - vehicle should remain stationary with parking brake engaged and transmission in neutral
• After initial test drive (50-100 miles), recheck parking brake adjustment and verify rotors still rotate freely when parking brake is released
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear wheels during low-speed driving - clicking or dragging sounds may indicate incorrect installation or adjustment
• Verify parking brake warning light functions correctly when parking brake is engaged and goes off when released

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