This procedure covers the replacement of the parking brake cable assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte, including removal of rear wheels, disconnection from the equalizer, and routing of new cables.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly (left and/or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification - specify left/right side
• Cable clips/retainers × 1 — Often damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set transmission to Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual)
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Fully release parking brake lever inside vehicle - ensure it is completely down
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside
8. Apply penetrating oil to equalizer nut, cable bracket bolts, and cable attachment points - allow 10 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake equalizer and release cable tension
   Working underneath the vehicle near the center console area, locate the parking brake cable equalizer assembly where the center cable connects to the left and right rear cables. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen the equalizer nut completely to release all tension from the cable system. Note the initial position and thread depth for reference during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect rear cables from equalizer
   Once tension is released, disconnect both left and right parking brake cables from the equalizer. The cables typically have a threaded end or hook connection. Use needle-nose pliers to compress or release any retaining clips, then slide the cable ends out of the equalizer bracket. Mark left and right cables if not replacing both to avoid confusion.
3. 3

   Remove cable routing brackets and clips
   Follow the parking brake cable from the equalizer toward the rear wheel on the side being replaced. Locate all cable routing brackets, clips, and support points along the underbody and rear suspension components. Using a 10mm socket, remove cable bracket bolts securing the cable to the vehicle chassis and suspension. Remove any plastic or metal cable clips by pressing release tabs or prying carefully with a flat-head screwdriver. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
   ⚠Cable routing brackets prevent cable interference with suspension and drivetrain components. Note exact routing and bracket positions for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access rear brake assembly
   At the rear wheel hub area, locate where the parking brake cable enters the backing plate or connects to the parking brake actuating lever. On drum brake systems, you may need to remove the brake drum. On rear disc systems with integrated parking brake, the cable connects to an actuating lever on the rear caliper or behind the rotor at the parking brake shoes.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from rear brake mechanism
   Using pliers, compress or remove the cable retaining clip where the cable housing seats into the backing plate or caliper bracket. Disconnect the cable end from the parking brake actuating lever by unhooking it or removing the clevis pin. The cable should now be free from the brake assembly. If the cable is seized or corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and use gentle leverage with a flat-head screwdriver.
   ⚠Do not damage the parking brake actuating lever or adjuster mechanism. Excessive force can bend components and affect brake performance.
6. 6

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the parking brake cable through all routing points, guiding it past suspension components, fuel lines, and brake lines. Work from the rear wheel area toward the equalizer, ensuring the cable does not snag on sharp edges. Inspect the cable routing path and note any protective grommets or sleeves that must be transferred to the new cable.
7. 7

   Prepare and route new parking brake cable
   Compare the new cable to the old cable to verify correct length and end fittings. Transfer any rubber grommets or protective sleeves from the old cable if not included with the new part. Apply cable lubricant to the inner cable if accessible. Begin routing the new cable from the equalizer area toward the rear wheel, following the exact path of the original cable. Ensure the cable passes on the correct side of suspension components, fuel lines, and brake lines.
   ⚠️Improper cable routing can result in cable damage from contact with hot exhaust components, moving suspension parts, or rotating driveshaft. This can cause sudden parking brake failure.
8. 8

   Connect cable to rear brake mechanism
   At the rear brake assembly, insert the cable housing into the backing plate or caliper bracket until the retaining clip seats properly. Connect the cable end to the parking brake actuating lever, ensuring it is fully engaged. Install the cable retaining clip to secure the housing in position. Verify the actuating lever moves freely when the cable is manipulated by hand.
9. 9

   Install cable routing brackets and clips
   Working from the rear wheel toward the equalizer, install all cable routing brackets and clips in their original positions. Install cable bracket bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the cable is secured at all support points and has proper clearance from suspension components, exhaust, and driveline. The cable should not be stretched tight or have excessive slack.
   ⚠Follow the VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL notation for cable bracket bolts. Tightening sequence may affect cable routing and tension distribution.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect cable to equalizer
    At the equalizer assembly, connect the new parking brake cable end to the equalizer bracket. If replacing both cables, ensure left and right cables are connected to their correct positions. The cable end should seat fully in the equalizer mechanism.
11. 11

    Adjust parking brake cable tension
    Thread the equalizer nut onto the center cable adjuster. Initially set the nut to approximately the same position noted during disassembly. The parking brake should engage within 5-7 clicks of the parking brake lever with the brakes properly adjusted. Tighten the equalizer nut to the specified torque. If tension adjustment is needed, loosen the equalizer nut, adjust tension by threading in or out, then re-torque. Proper adjustment requires that the rear wheels rotate freely when the parking brake is released and are held firmly when engaged.
    ⚠Excessive cable tension will cause rear brake drag, premature wear, and reduced fuel economy. Insufficient tension will result in inadequate parking brake holding force.
    ℹ️Final parking brake adjustment should be verified after test drive when brake components have seated properly.
    Torque spec

    Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface with a wire brush. Install both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to approximately 50% torque. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows removal in reverse order
2. Ensure all cable routing brackets and clips are installed in original positions
3. Verify parking brake cable has proper clearance from exhaust, suspension, and driveline components throughout full suspension travel
4. Double-check that all cable connections are fully seated and secured with retaining clips

Verification

• With engine off and transmission in neutral, verify rear wheels rotate freely without drag when parking brake is fully released
• Apply parking brake lever - it should engage with moderate resistance within 5-7 clicks
• With parking brake fully engaged on level ground, attempt to push vehicle - it should not roll in either direction
• Release parking brake and verify both rear wheels still rotate freely with no dragging or binding
• Perform a test drive and verify normal brake operation - no pulling or noise from rear brakes
• After test drive, recheck parking brake adjustment - it should still engage within 5-7 clicks with adequate holding force
• Perform a parking brake hold test on an incline (if safe location available) - vehicle should remain stationary on a 20% grade
• Visually inspect cable routing underneath vehicle after test drive to ensure no contact marks or cable displacement

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