Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of rear brake pads and rotors on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including proper torque specifications and bleeding procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pads (set of 4) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Brake pad anti-rattle clips/shims × 1 — Usually included with pad set
• Caliper slide pin boots (inspect and replace if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind front wheels.
2. Using turkey baster or fluid pump, remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing pistons. Dispose of old fluid properly.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground.
4. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point and secure on jack stands at proper support points.
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
6. Inspect brake components for any signs of hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, or unusual wear patterns before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove both caliper slide bolts. These bolts secure the caliper to the bracket and should be retained for reinstallation. Keep track of any washers or hardware.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Bolts32 Nm (24 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove and secure caliper
   Carefully swing the caliper up and off the rotor and brake pads. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose. Use a wire hanger or bungee cord to support the caliper from the suspension or chassis. Ensure there is no tension on the brake line.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage and eventual brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad wear sensors. Remove and inspect all pad hardware clips from the bracket. Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Locate the two caliper bracket mounting bolts that attach the bracket to the hub/spindle assembly (typically larger than the slide bolts). Using an appropriate socket (usually 14mm or 17mm), remove both caliper bracket bolts. Keep these bolts separate from the slide bolts. Remove the bracket assembly.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old rotor
   Remove the old brake rotor from the wheel hub. If rotor is stuck due to rust or corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor face (avoiding the hub studs). Some rotors may have small Phillips screws holding them in place - remove these first if present. Clean the hub mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
6. 6

   Install new rotor
   Clean new rotor thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove protective coating and any oil residue. Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. If equipped with rotor retaining screws, install them finger-tight. Verify rotor rotates freely without wobble or binding.
   ⚠Failure to clean protective coating from new rotors will severely reduce initial braking performance and cause contamination.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Ensure bracket is secure and properly seated.
   ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts MUST be torqued to specification with thread locker applied. Under-torqued bolts can loosen and cause complete brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new brake pad hardware and pads
   Install new anti-rattle clips and shims onto the caliper bracket in the same orientation as the originals. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad contact points on the bracket (NOT on friction surfaces). Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into the caliper bore to accommodate the new, thicker brake pads. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, placing it between the back of the caliper and the piston face. Slowly compress the piston until it is fully retracted. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
   ⚠Compress piston slowly and watch master cylinder reservoir for overflow. Fluid may need to be removed during this process.
10. 10

    Lubricate and inspect caliper slide pins
    Remove the caliper slide pins from the caliper bracket (if not already removed). Inspect the pins and rubber boots for damage, tears, or excessive wear. Clean pins thoroughly and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the full length of each pin. Ensure boots are properly seated and not torn. Replace boots if damaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper
    Position the caliper over the new brake pads and align the slide pin holes. Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the slide bolt threads and under the bolt heads. Install both caliper slide bolts and torque to specification. Ensure caliper moves freely on the slide pins after installation.
    ⚠️Caliper slide bolts must be properly torqued. Incorrect torque can cause uneven pad wear, reduced braking, or caliper failure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Bolts32 Nm (24 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 on the opposite rear wheel to replace that side's brake pads and rotor. Always replace brake components on both sides of an axle together to maintain balanced braking performance.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench, but do not fully torque yet. Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheels. Remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely.
14. 14

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle on the ground, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a calibrated torque wrench. Recheck each lug nut to ensure proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid
    Pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly several times until it becomes firm and achieves normal height. DO NOT start the engine yet. The pedal should be firm after 5-10 pumps. If pedal goes to floor, recheck all work. Check master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line. Replace reservoir cap.
    ⚠️If brake pedal does not become firm after pumping, DO NOT drive the vehicle. Recheck all caliper bolts, slide pins, and brake line connections.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed exactly as listed. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
2. Thread locker must be applied to caliper bracket bolts as specified.
3. Silicone brake grease must be applied to slide pins and pad contact points, never to friction surfaces.
4. Brake fluid level must be at MAX line in reservoir after completing all work.

Verification

• Before driving: Pump brake pedal until firm. Pedal should be high and firm, not spongy or low.
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is OFF. Press brake pedal firmly - it should remain firm and not sink.
• Check for any fluid leaks around calipers, brake lines, and master cylinder.
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area. Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify proper function before normal driving.
• Brakes may feel slightly different initially. Perform proper bed-in procedure: 10-15 moderate stops from 30-40 mph with cool-down periods between stops.
• After first 50-100 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque and inspect for any leaks or unusual noises.
• If you experience ANY of the following, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle inspected: soft/spongy pedal, pedal goes to floor, pulling to one side, grinding noises, brake warning light, or loss of braking power.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle