How to Replace the Drum Brakes on a 2002 KIA

The drum brakes on a Kia vehicle, similar to other drum brake systems, use brake shoes; the primary task of this rear wheels brake system is to control the parking brake. If you need to replace the brake shoes, you will need to change them for both rear wheels. This is a complicated process due to the spring and levers installed within each drum assembly. The exact replacement process can differ slightly, depending on the model of your 2002 Kia vehicle.

Instructions

Raise the Kia's rear end, using the jack, and support it on jack stands. Remove both rear wheels.

Pull the brake drum off the hub. Tap it with a soft-face mallet, or screw two 8-millimeter bolts into the two holes if the drum is stuck.

Clean the entire assembly with brake cleaner spray and wait for the cleaner to dry off.

Move the self-adjuster cam below the upper spring with a small screwdriver until the adjuster assembly is at the minimum setting.

Grip and unhook the upper and lower return springs with the needle-nose pliers.

Compress the front shoe's retaining spring and turn the pin through the slot to remove it, using the pliers, then remove the shoe.

Remove the rattle spring from both the adjuster assembly and the rear shoe, using the pliers. Remove the adjuster.

Remove the retaining clip for the parking brake lever with the pliers, making sure you retain the washer. Remove the rear shoe's retaining spring.

Clean and lubricate the backing plate on the seven contact spots for the brake shoes, using the brake cleaner followed by high-temperature grease.

Assemble and install the new rear brake shoe with the parking brake lever, installing the old wave washer and retaining clip with the pliers. Connect the shoe's retainer spring with the tension pin.

Install the self-adjuster, setting the adjuster cam to its minimum setting and hooking the spring into place on the rear shoe and on the brake lever.

Connect the new front shoe, setting the adjuster cam tab in the correct slot on the shoe, then install its retaining spring with the pliers.

Reconnect the lower and upper return springs, using the pliers.

Reconnect the brake drum and the wheel. Lower the car off the jack stands after you finish changing the brakes for both wheels.