How to Replace the Drum Brakes in a 2002 Kia Spectra GS

The Spectra was introduced in the U.S. by Kia Motors in the 2000 model-year. Despite a substantial redesign in 2004, the Spectra was unable to shake its reputation for below average workmanship and pedestrian styling, and the model was finally discontinued in 2009 in favor of the more refined Rio lineup. Most Spectra models were fitted with rear drum brakes, and Spectra owners can save time and money by learning to service these brakes themselves.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels with a lug nut wrench. Raise the back of the car with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove both rear wheels.

2

Remove the two mounting bolts that hold the drum to the hub assembly then pull the drum straight off the hub. If the drum is seized, insert two 8 mm bolts into the threaded jacking holes on the drum face and tighten them evenly to jack the drum off of the brake assembly. It is a good idea to remove the wheels and drums from both rear wheels so that the wheel not being worked on can be used as a reference for how the parts should fit together.

3

Use pliers to grasp one end of the top return spring and unhook it from the brake shoe. Unhook the other end and set the spring aside.

4

Remove the primary (front) and secondary (rear) brake shoe spring clips by grasping them with pliers and pulling them off the shoe. Remove the primary and secondary shoe hold-down pins by pushing them back through the backing plate.

5

Use pliers to remove the anti-rattle spring by grasping the end of the spring and unhooking it from the secondary brake shoe. Unhook the other end from the operating lever assembly and set the spring aside. Remove the adjuster spring by grasping the end of the spring with pliers and unhooking it from the primary brake shoe. Unhook the other end from the primary brake shoe and set the spring aside.

6

Note the position of the operating lever assembly where it holds the primary shoe. Slip the operating lever assembly out from between the two shoes and set it aside. Remove the bottom return spring by firmly grasping one end of the spring with pliers and unhooking it from the brake shoe. Unhook the other end and set the spring aside.

7

Remove the clip and washer from the end of the parking brake cable with the pliers and disconnect the parking brake cable from the secondary brake shoe. Pull the two brake shoes off of the backing plate.

8

Measure the inside diameter of the brake drum with a drum micrometer. The drum should be round, meaning that the diameter should be the same no matter which direction the diameter is measured. The interior surface of the drum should not have any deep grooves or cracks. The maximum specified diameter for the drum is 7.87 inches. If the drum diameter is greater, then it is worn out and must be replaced. Measure the thickness of the brake shoe linings. If the thickness is less than 0.04 of an inch at any point, then the shoes are worn out and must be replaced.

9

Clean all parts with brake cleaning fluid. Apply fluid liberally to all parts and wipe with rags. Use a wire brush to remove stubborn dirt and corrosion. Use a drip pan to catch excess fluid and dispose of the used fluid in accordance with local regulations. Also apply brake grease to the points where the brake shoes contact the backing plate.

10

Lubricate all contact points and pivot points with high-temperature brake grease. Lubricate the points where the brake shoes contact the backing plate, the points where the cylinder contacts the brake shoes, the contact point between the brake shoes and hold-down pins, and the operating lever contact points.

11

Reassemble the brake with the new brake shoes by reversing the above steps. Use the wheel on the opposite side, as a reference, to help you remember where all the parts should go. Remount the wheel. Start the car and pump the brakes a few times to set the mechanism. Repeat the procedure on the opposite wheel to complete the job then lower the vehicle off the jack stands with the jack.