Brake Pads - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of rear brake pads on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including caliper service and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Brake hardware kit (shims, clips) × 1 — Included with quality pad sets

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at designated jacking points
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
5. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir - if near MAX line, remove some fluid to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
6. Inspect brake rotors for excessive wear, scoring, or damage - measure thickness if suspected

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper (14mm heads). Remove the lower slide pin bolt completely. The upper bolt can remain in place unless full caliper removal is needed. Support the caliper to prevent it from hanging on the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Pivot caliper upward
   Pivot the caliper upward on the upper slide pin bolt to access the brake pads. If both bolts were removed, carefully lift the entire caliper off the bracket. Secure the caliper to the suspension or chassis using a wire hanger or bungee cord - never let it hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   ⚠Do not allow caliper to hang unsupported by brake hose. This will damage the hose and can cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs. Remove and discard all old hardware clips and shims from the bracket - these should be replaced with new hardware from the pad kit. Take photos if needed to remember hardware placement.
   ℹ️Brake pad wear should be relatively even side-to-side. Uneven wear may indicate caliper slide pin seizure or other issues requiring additional service.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean caliper bracket
   Inspect the caliper bracket for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the pad contact surfaces on the bracket ears where pads slide. Clean the slide pin bores thoroughly with brake cleaner. Remove any rust or debris that could prevent smooth pad movement.
   ⚠Use brake cleaner only, never petroleum-based solvents which can contaminate brake components and cause brake failure.
5. 5

   Inspect and lubricate slide pins
   Remove the upper slide pin bolt and extract both slide pins from the caliper bracket. Inspect pins for corrosion, wear, or damage to rubber boots. Clean pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin. Do not over-grease. Inspect and replace any torn or damaged slide pin boots. Reinstall slide pins into bracket.
   ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease. Do not use petroleum-based grease which will damage rubber components and cause premature failure.
6. 6

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston(s) fully into the caliper bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and a clean old brake pad against the piston face. Compress slowly to allow fluid to return to the master cylinder reservoir. Monitor the reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
   ⚠Ensure bleeder screw is closed during compression. Open bleeder only if fluid is contaminated or if unable to compress piston, then capture old fluid properly.
7. 7

   Install new brake pad hardware
   Install all new anti-rattle clips, shims, and springs onto the caliper bracket according to the hardware kit instructions or original configuration. Ensure clips are fully seated and secure. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the backing plates of the new brake pads where they contact shims (if applicable per pad design).
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Verify pads move freely in the bracket without binding. Confirm the pad wear indicators (if equipped) are positioned correctly - typically at the trailing edge to contact rotor during forward rotation when worn.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Lower the caliper back down over the new brake pads (or position caliper onto bracket if fully removed). Align caliper slide pin holes with the pins in the bracket. Clean slide pin bolt threads with brake cleaner and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the threads and under bolt heads. Install and hand-thread both caliper slide pin bolts.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) in accordance with factory specifications. Verify caliper is properly seated and aligned on bracket after torquing.
    ⚠️CRITICAL TORQUE SPECIFICATION: Improperly torqued caliper bolts can cause caliper detachment and complete brake failure. Use calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 10 for the opposite rear wheel. Always replace brake pads on both sides of an axle together to maintain balanced braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean wheel mounting surfaces on hub with wire brush. Install wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star/cross pattern to ensure even seating.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Wheel lug nuts must be torqued in star pattern with calibrated torque wrench. Improper torque or sequence can cause wheel detachment while driving.
    Torque spec

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

    Check brake fluid level
    Open hood and check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. Add DOT 4 brake fluid if needed to bring level to MAX line. Do not overfill. Ensure reservoir cap is properly seated and sealed.
14. 14

    Pump brake pedal and test
    Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and consistent. Pedal should not go to floor. Check for fluid leaks around all caliper connections. Start engine and verify brake pedal firmness with engine running. Test brakes at low speed in safe area before returning to normal driving.
    ⚠️DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE until brake pedal is firm and brakes have been tested at low speed. First pedal stroke may go to floor if not pumped properly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper slide pin bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern to specification
3. Confirm brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir
4. Verify no tools or parts have been left in wheel wells or under vehicle

Verification

• Pump brake pedal until firm - pedal should be high and solid, not spongy or low
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure - pedal should remain firm and not sink
• Test drive at low speed (under 10 mph) in safe area - brakes should engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side
• After test drive, visually inspect all four wheel areas for any signs of brake fluid leakage
• Perform several moderate stops from 30-40 mph to begin pad bedding process - avoid hard stops initially
• Listen for any abnormal brake noise (severe squealing, grinding, or rubbing) which may indicate improper installation
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification to ensure proper seating

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