Instructions for Changing the Brake Shoes on a 2003 KIA

Kia Motors has built a reputation for inexpensive automobiles. To compete successfully in the low end of the market Kia vehicles often incorporate cost-saving technologies. As an example, many Kia models make use of drum brakes on the rear wheels. Although generally less effective than disc brakes, drum brakes are less expensive, and in the rear position they do not seriously compromise overall braking performance. Owners of vehicles with rear drum brakes will benefit from understanding how they should be serviced.

Instructions

1

Slacken the lug nuts on both rear wheels with a lug nut wrench. Raise the back end of the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands on both sides. Remove the rear wheels.

2

Unfasten the drums on both rear wheels. The drums will be held on by two or four bolts depending on the model. Pull the drum straight off the hub. If the drum is stuck it can be jacked off by threading two 8 mm jacking bolts into the holes in the drum and evenly tightening both bolts to jack the drum off the hub assembly.

3

Remove the upper return spring by gripping the end of the spring firmly with pliers and unhooking the spring end from the brake shoes. Unhook the other end and set the spring aside. On models with an adjuster mechanism, detach the adjuster lever spring by gripping the spring end firmly with pliers and unhooking it from the adjuster lever. Unhook the other end and set the spring aside. Remove the lower return spring in the same way.

4

On models with an adjuster mechanism, rotate the adjuster wheel clockwise to relieve the lower return spring tension on the brake shoes. Remove the adjuster wheel by sliding it out from in between the two brake shoes.

5

Remove the two hold-down pins that hold each shoe to the backing plate. On models with hold down clips, pull the clips off with pliers and then push the pins out through the backing plate. For other models use a hex wrench or large screwdriver to rotate each pin clockwise until keys on the pin ends line up with the grooves in the hold-down pin clips and then pull the pins out. Pull the hold-down clips out with pliers.

6

Remove the primary brake shoe, then pull out the secondary brake shoe assembly. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the secondary shoe by removing the retaining clip from the cable end and then slipping the cable off the shoe. Use a large screwdriver to spread the operating lever retaining clip, then grasp the clip with pliers and pull it off. Slip the operating lever off the secondary brake shoe.

7

Check the inside diameter of the brake drum at several points using a drum micrometer. The diameter should be the same in all directions, indicating that the drum is round. Check the interior surface of the drum for any deep grooves, cracks or glazed spots. Compare the drum diameter to the manufacturers specifications. Replace the drum if the diameter exceeds the specified maximum, or if it is cracked or irreparably damaged.

8

Clean the backing plate and all removed brake components with brake cleaning fluid. Spray all parts liberally with the fluid and use rags to wipe them down. Use a metal drip pan to catch excess fluid and dispose of the used fluid as required by local regulations.

9

Unscrew the halves of the adjuster wheel, if applicable, and thoroughly clean the threads with brake cleaning fluid. Lubricate the threads with brake grease and reassemble the parts. Apply brake grease to the points where the brake shoes contact the backing plate, the points where the cylinder contacts the brake shoes, and the pivot points at the brake shoe hold-down pins and the operating lever pivot.

10

Reassemble the parts, using new brake shoes, by following the above steps in reverse order. Use the other wheel as a reference on how the parts fit together. Start the vehicle and pump the brakes to set the self-adjusting mechanism. Repeat all steps on the brake on the other side to complete the job, replace the wheels and then lower the automobile.

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