This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear brake drums on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including inspection of brake shoes and hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum (if replacing) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground
2. Ensure transmission is in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
3. Fully release parking brake
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under rear axle beam or chassis rails
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel
   With lug nuts already loosened, completely remove the rear wheel and set aside in a safe location. Inspect wheel studs for damage.
2. 2

   Release parking brake shoes
   Verify parking brake is fully released inside vehicle. If drum is stuck, the parking brake shoes may need manual release. Locate the rubber access plug on the backing plate (usually near bottom of drum). Remove plug if necessary to access adjuster mechanism.
3. 3

   Remove brake drum retaining screw
   Locate the small Phillips head retaining screw in the center of the drum face (if equipped). Remove this screw completely. Note: Some drums may not have this screw.
4. 4

   Remove brake drum
   Pull drum straight off hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or ridge wear: 1) Spray penetrating oil around hub center and let sit 5-10 minutes. 2) Use rubber mallet to tap evenly around outer edge of drum face (never strike center). 3) If still stuck, thread two M8 bolts into threaded holes in drum face (if equipped) and tighten alternately to push drum off hub. Do not strike drum excessively as this can damage wheel bearings or brake shoes.
   ⚠Worn drums develop a ridge at the outer edge. Do not force drum over this ridge as it can damage brake shoes. Use gentle tapping and penetrating oil.
5. 5

   Inspect brake components
   With drum removed, inspect brake shoes, springs, and hardware for wear, damage, or contamination. Measure drum inside diameter if replacing drums to ensure new drums are within specification. Note brake shoe thickness and condition. Look for fluid leaks from wheel cylinder.
   ⚠If brake shoes are contaminated with oil or brake fluid, identify and repair the leak source before reassembly. Contaminated shoes must be replaced.
6. 6

   Clean and prepare drum and hub
   If reusing drum, clean inside braking surface with brake parts cleaner and allow to dry completely. Use wire brush to clean rust and debris from hub face and center pilot. Clean backing plate area with brake cleaner. Do not use compressed air to avoid breathing brake dust.
7. 7

   Install brake drum
   Apply thin coat of anti-seize compound to hub pilot (center hub area only, not braking surfaces). Slide drum straight onto hub, aligning any retaining screw hole. Ensure drum seats fully against hub face. If installing new drums, remove any protective coating with brake cleaner.
8. 8

   Install drum retaining screw
   Install drum retaining screw (if equipped) and tighten securely. This screw is for assembly purposes and does not require high torque.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Place wheel onto hub, aligning lug holes. Install lug nuts by hand, threading each nut several turns. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern hand-tight before lowering vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground but most weight still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Wheel lug nuts must be torqued to specification in star pattern. Improper torque can cause wheel detachment and loss of vehicle control.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Adjust brake shoes
    If brake shoes were adjusted during service, perform brake adjustment procedure: Pump brake pedal several times. Drive vehicle forward and apply brakes several times from moderate speed (15-20 mph) to allow self-adjusters to position shoes correctly. Some adjustment may occur over first 50-100 miles of driving.
    ⚠After drum service, initial braking may feel different. Test brakes at low speed in safe area before normal driving.

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if servicing both drums
2. Always replace or service drums in axle pairs to maintain balanced braking
3. Reinstall rubber access plug in backing plate if removed

Verification

• Verify both rear wheels are properly secured and torqued to specification
• Pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and maintain height
• Test parking brake engagement - should hold vehicle on slight incline
• Perform test drive in safe area at low speed (under 20 mph) to verify proper brake operation before normal driving
• Listen for abnormal noises during initial brake applications - some light noise during break-in is normal
• After first 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque

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