This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 AWD, including brake bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for 2016-2024 Tucson rear drum
• Brake drum hardware kit (optional) × 1 — Includes retaining clips and springs

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands on frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Place catch pan under work area to collect brake fluid
6. Have a helper available for brake bleeding process or use a vacuum bleeder

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum from the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or shoe adjustment, you may need to back off the adjuster through the access hole in the backing plate. Use penetrating oil on rusty drums and tap gently with a rubber mallet around the perimeter.
2. 2

   Inspect and photograph brake assembly
   Before disassembly, take a clear photo of the brake shoe arrangement for reference during reassembly. Note the position of all springs, clips, and the adjuster mechanism. Spray brake cleaner on the assembly and wipe with a rag to remove dust.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers or a screwdriver, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the brake shoes. Work slowly to avoid spring injury. Note which holes the springs attach to for proper reassembly.
   ⚠Springs are under high tension. Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear of release path.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake shoes from wheel cylinder
   Remove the hold-down springs and pins securing the brake shoes to the backing plate. Disconnect the brake shoes from the wheel cylinder by pulling them away from the cylinder pistons. Remove the adjuster mechanism and note its orientation.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using a 10mm brake line wrench, carefully loosen the brake line fitting at the rear of the wheel cylinder. Once loose, unthread by hand and allow fluid to drain into the catch pan. Cap or plug the brake line immediately to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts on the back side of the backing plate that secure the wheel cylinder. These bolts typically require a 12mm or 13mm socket. Remove both bolts and pull the wheel cylinder away from the backing plate.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Prepare backing plate and install new wheel cylinder
   Clean the backing plate mounting surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the backing plate for damage or excessive rust. Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, ensuring proper alignment with the brake line port. Install mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect brake line to new wheel cylinder
   Remove the cap from the brake line and thread the fitting into the new wheel cylinder by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use the 10mm brake line wrench to snug the connection. Do not fully tighten yet, as you will need to bleed air from the cylinder first.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Refer to your reference photo to reinstall the brake shoes, adjuster mechanism, hold-down springs, and return springs in their original positions. Ensure the shoes are properly seated in the wheel cylinder pistons and the adjuster is oriented correctly. Pre-adjust the shoes to approximately the drum's inner diameter.
10. 10

    Bleed wheel cylinder
    Have a helper pump the brake pedal several times and hold pressure, or use a vacuum bleeder. Open the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder slightly until fluid flows without air bubbles. Close the bleeder screw before the helper releases the pedal. Repeat until all air is purged and only clean fluid flows. Tighten the bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠Do not allow brake pedal to go to the floor during bleeding as this may damage the master cylinder.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final tighten brake line connection
    Once bleeding is complete and no air remains in the system, use the 10mm brake line wrench to firmly tighten the brake line fitting to the wheel cylinder. Ensure the connection is secure but do not overtighten to avoid stripping the fitting.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake drum and wheel
    Clean the hub surface and inside of the brake drum with brake cleaner. Install the drum onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Bleed brake system and check fluid level
    Bleed the remaining wheels in the proper sequence (typically passenger rear, driver rear, passenger front, driver front) to remove any air that entered the system. Top off the brake fluid reservoir with fresh DOT 4 fluid to the MAX line. Ensure the cap is securely installed.
    ⚠️Never drive the vehicle until the brake system is fully bled and pedal feel is firm.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake hardware is properly installed and springs are correctly positioned
2. Verify brake line connections are tight and not leaking
3. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is at proper level with fresh DOT 4 fluid
4. Pump brake pedal several times to seat brake shoes before test drive

Verification

• Press brake pedal firmly - it should feel solid with no sponginess indicating air in the system
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around the wheel cylinder and brake line connection
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation and even braking
• Check brake pedal travel - it should not go more than halfway to the floor under normal braking
• Inspect the installed wheel for any signs of brake fluid on the drum or tire
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary

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