Replace the rear wheel cylinder on a 2015 Kia Forte, including drum removal, brake shoe adjustment, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoe hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Release parking brake to allow drum removal
7. Have DOT 4 brake fluid and bleeding equipment ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the two Phillips screws securing the brake drum if present. Pull the drum straight off the hub. If drum is seized, use a drum puller or thread bolts into the threaded holes on the drum face to push it off. If drum will not come off, ensure parking brake is fully released and check that brake shoes have not worn a ridge into the drum.
2. 2

   Inspect and clean brake assembly
   Spray brake assembly with brake cleaner and wipe clean. Inspect brake shoes, springs, and hardware for wear or damage. Take a photo of spring and hardware positioning for reference during reassembly. Note the position of the wheel cylinder relative to the backing plate.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoes and hardware
   Using brake spring pliers, remove the upper and lower return springs. Use the hold-down spring tool to compress and rotate the hold-down pins, removing the springs and retainers. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the brake shoe lever. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly, noting their orientation.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Place a drain pan beneath the backing plate. Using a 10mm line wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Immediately plug the line with a rubber cap or wrap with plastic to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Allow residual fluid to drain into the pan.
   ⚠Use a line wrench, not an open-end wrench, to prevent rounding the brake line fitting.
5. 5

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the rear of the backing plate. These are typically 10mm or 12mm bolts accessible from behind. Carefully pull the wheel cylinder away from the backing plate and remove it completely.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Clean the mounting surface on the backing plate with a wire brush. Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, ensuring the bleeder screw is oriented upward for proper bleeding. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Connect brake line to new wheel cylinder
   Remove the plug or cap from the brake line. Thread the brake line into the wheel cylinder by hand to ensure proper engagement and avoid cross-threading. Tighten the fitting securely with a 10mm line wrench until snug. Do not overtighten as this can strip the fitting or damage the line.
8. 8

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Reinstall the brake shoes in their original orientation, reconnecting the parking brake cable to the lever. Install the hold-down springs and pins using the hold-down tool. Reinstall the return springs using brake spring pliers, referring to your reference photo. Ensure all components are properly seated and springs are in their correct positions.
9. 9

   Adjust brake shoes and install drum
   Manually adjust the brake shoe adjuster so shoes are close to their operating position but drum can still slide on freely. Install the brake drum, ensuring it seats fully on the hub. Install drum retaining screws if equipped. Pump the brake pedal several times to position the shoes, then rotate the drum to verify smooth rotation with slight drag.
10. 10

    Bleed wheel cylinder
    Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container partially filled with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw and allow fluid and air to escape until flow stops. Close the bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the discharged fluid. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check brake fluid level and test system
    Check the brake fluid reservoir and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line. Pump the brake pedal firmly several times to ensure proper pedal feel. The pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor. If pedal is soft, additional bleeding may be required at this wheel or other wheels.

Reassembly

1. If replacing wheel cylinders on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite wheel
2. After completing both sides, bleed all four wheels starting from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (right rear, left rear, right front, left front)
3. Adjust parking brake cable tension if necessary to achieve proper parking brake engagement

Verification

• Start the engine and pump the brake pedal several times. Pedal should be firm and not sink
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed to verify proper brake operation and no pulling to one side
• Check for brake fluid leaks around the wheel cylinder and brake line connection
• Verify parking brake holds the vehicle on an incline
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Listen for any abnormal noises from the rear brakes during the test drive

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