Replace the drum brake hardware kit (springs, clips, and adjusters) on the rear brakes to restore proper brake shoe operation and prevent premature wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear drum brake hardware kit (springs, clips, adjusters) × 1 — Use OEM Kia hardware kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground 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 rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
6. Lay out clean workspace with all tools and new hardware kit accessible
7. Take detailed photographs of both rear brake assemblies before starting work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the drum retaining screw (if equipped) using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the brake drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck due to rust or brake shoe adjustment, use a rubber mallet to tap around the drum edge, or thread two 8mm bolts into the threaded holes on the drum face to push it off evenly. If shoes are too tight, access the adjuster through the backing plate inspection hole and turn the adjuster wheel to retract shoes.
   ⚠Drum may be rusted to hub. Do not strike drum directly with metal hammer as this can damage internal components.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray brake cleaner liberally on the entire brake assembly, backing plate, and inside the drum. Wipe clean with rags, allowing cleaner to dissolve brake dust. Inspect backing plate for damage, cracks, or excessive rust. Inspect wheel cylinder for fluid leaks (wetness around dust boots). Inspect brake shoes for contamination, cracks, or excessive wear. Measure drum inside diameter if possible and compare to specifications.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air to blow off brake dust. Use only brake cleaner spray and wipe with rags to prevent inhaling harmful particles.
3. 3

   Remove upper return springs
   Using brake spring pliers or spring removal tool, carefully unhook the upper return springs connecting the two brake shoes at the top. Note the orientation and anchor points of each spring. These are typically under high tension - maintain control as you release them. Remove both upper return springs and set aside with old hardware.
   ⚠️Springs are under extreme tension. Ensure spring tool is properly seated before releasing tension. Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from spring release.
4. 4

   Remove hold-down springs and pins
   Locate the hold-down springs that secure each brake shoe to the backing plate. Using brake spring tool, press down on the spring retainer cup while rotating 90 degrees to align the slot with the pin head. Release pressure and remove the retainer, spring, and pin from each shoe. Remove hold-down hardware from both leading and trailing shoes.
   ⚠Hold-down pins can fall behind backing plate if dropped. Keep firm control of all components during removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect parking brake cable and remove shoes
   Note how the parking brake cable lever connects to the trailing shoe. Unhook the parking brake cable from the lever arm on the rear shoe. Remove the lower return spring connecting the bottom of the shoes. Carefully spread shoes and lift assembly away from backing plate, noting the position of the adjuster mechanism between the shoes. Remove the adjuster screw assembly and spring. Transfer the parking brake lever from old shoe to new shoe if replacing shoes, or retain for reinstallation.
   ℹ️The adjuster mechanism has left and right specific versions. Note which side you are working on and ensure correct adjuster orientation.
6. 6

   Clean and prepare backing plate
   Using wire brush and brake cleaner, thoroughly clean all six shoe contact pads on the backing plate where shoes ride. Remove all rust, old grease, and debris. Clean the anchor pin at the top and the parking brake lever pivot points. Inspect backing plate for cracks or damage. Ensure wheel cylinder dust boots are intact and no fluid is leaking.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder shows any signs of leaking, it must be replaced before proceeding. Brake fluid contamination will ruin new hardware and shoes.
7. 7

   Apply brake lubricant to contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to all six shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Apply grease to the anchor pin at the top where shoe webs contact. Apply small amount to parking brake lever pivot point and cable connection point. Do NOT get grease on brake shoe friction material or inside drum surface. Use grease sparingly - excess can contaminate brakes.
   ⚠Use only high-temperature brake-specific grease. Never use standard grease which will melt and contaminate brake surfaces.
8. 8

   Install new adjuster hardware
   Clean the adjuster screw assembly from the new hardware kit. Verify threads turn smoothly. Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to adjuster screw threads. Ensure adjuster is correct for the side being worked on (left/right specific). Attach the new adjuster spring from the hardware kit. Collapse adjuster to shortest length to ease installation.
   ℹ️Left and right adjusters are often different. Verify you have the correct adjuster for the side being serviced.
9. 9

   Install brake shoes with new hardware
   Connect parking brake lever to the trailing (rear) shoe. Position the leading shoe on backing plate and install new hold-down pin, spring, and retainer from hardware kit. Connect parking brake cable to lever. Position trailing shoe and install its hold-down hardware. Install the adjuster assembly between the lower portions of the shoes with spring attached. Install the new lower return spring between shoe bottoms. Ensure all components are properly seated.
   ⚠Verify parking brake lever moves freely and cable is properly connected before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install new upper return springs
    Using brake spring tool, install the new upper return springs from the hardware kit, connecting the tops of both shoes. Install springs in the same configuration as removed, ensuring they hook into correct anchor points on the shoes and backing plate anchor. Verify springs are fully seated and under proper tension. Check that all shoes, springs, and adjuster are properly positioned and seated against backing plate.
    ⚠️Ensure spring tool is properly engaged before releasing tension. Springs under tension can cause injury if they slip.
11. 11

    Verify assembly and adjust shoes
    Visually verify all hardware is installed correctly by comparing to photographs taken during disassembly or to opposite side assembly. Ensure all springs are properly hooked and tensioned. Verify hold-down springs are secure. Turn the adjuster star wheel to expand shoes until they nearly contact the drum (drum should drag slightly when installed). Verify parking brake lever operates smoothly.
    ℹ️Shoes will self-adjust during initial driving, but pre-adjustment ensures proper initial contact and parking brake function.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake drum
    Clean inside surface of brake drum with brake cleaner. Inspect drum for cracks, scoring, or excessive wear. Carefully slide drum over brake shoe assembly, ensuring shoes align properly and drum seats fully against hub. If drum won't fit, back off adjuster slightly. Install drum retaining screw if equipped and tighten snugly. Verify drum rotates freely with only slight drag from shoes.
    ⚠Do not force drum over shoes. If drum will not install, adjuster is set too tight and must be backed off.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform entire procedure on the opposite rear brake assembly using remaining hardware from the kit. Ensure both sides are adjusted similarly for even braking. Compare both sides visually to ensure hardware is installed symmetrically and correctly.
    ℹ️Brake hardware configurations must match on both sides for proper brake balance and safe operation.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and perform initial adjustment
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Pump brake pedal slowly 15-20 times to seat shoes and activate automatic adjusters. Apply and release parking brake 3-4 times to verify operation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Both rear brake assemblies must be completed with new hardware installed on both sides
2. All return springs, hold-down springs, and clips from the hardware kit must be installed
3. Parking brake must operate smoothly on both sides without binding
4. Brake drums must rotate with only slight drag from properly adjusted shoes

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 15-20 times - pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• With engine running, verify brake pedal is firm and holds steady pressure
• Apply parking brake - it should engage within 4-6 clicks with vehicle securely held on incline
• Test drive in safe area at low speed, verifying smooth, even braking with no pulling to either side
• After test drive, recheck wheel lug nut torque when wheels are cool
• Listen for any scraping, grinding, or unusual noises from rear brakes during initial driving
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 20-30 mph to allow shoes to seat and adjusters to function
• After 50-100 miles, recheck parking brake adjustment and brake pedal feel

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