How to Replace the Rear Brakes on a Hyundai Accent

Since its debut in the U.S. market in 1995, the Hyundai Accent has steadily established itself as a solid performer in the inexpensive subcompact class. The model design has steadily improved, including significant updates for the 2000 and 2006 model years. Like many inexpensive vehicles, the Accent makes use of drum brakes on the rear wheels. Accent owners can save money by learning how to service the rear brakes themselves.

Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface and block the front wheels to prevent accidental vehicle movement. Do not engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels with a lug nut wrench. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a jack and set it securely on jack stands. Remove both rear wheels.

Remove the drum retaining screw and then remove the brake drum. It is a good idea to remove the drums from both rear wheels, so that the assembled brake can be used as a visual reference for the brake being serviced. If the drum is difficult to remove, firmly tap the outer face of the drum with a mallet to loosen it. Do not strike the rim of the drum.

Remove the upper return spring by grasping one end of the spring with pliers and unhooking it from the brake shoe. Repeat for the other end of the spring. Remove the adjuster lever spring in the same way.

Detach the parking brake cable from the operating lever. Remove the lower return spring by unhooking the ends and remove the adjuster wheel assembly from between the brake shoes.

Rotate the hold down pin and the cup washer on each brake shoe with pliers. Line up the notches in the cup washer with the small tabs on the hold down pin and remove the washer and hold-down spring. Push the hold down pin out through the backing plate and remove the brake shoe.

Measure the brake shoe lining thickness with a finely graduated ruler and if less than 0.04 of an inch, replace the shoes.

Measure the brake drum inside diameter in several directions with a brake drum micrometer. The diameter should be equal in all directions, indicating that the drum is round. The drum should be replaced if the diameter is greater than 8.04 inches on 2006 and later model years, 7.87 inches on 2000 to 2005 model years or 7.09 inches on 1999 and earlier model years. Also replace the drum if the interior surface has any deep grooves, glazed spots or cracks. Minor drum damage can be corrected by having the drum machined at a brake shop or auto-parts supply store.

Clean all parts with brake cleaning fluid. Remove stubborn dirt and deposits by working with rags or a small wire brush. Catch any cleaning fluid drips in a drip pan and dispose of in accordance with local regulations. Take apart the adjuster wheel assembly by pulling out the push rod end and unscrewing the star wheel halves. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaning fluid. Lubricate the adjuster wheel threads and the push rod female end with brake grease before reassembling the parts. Apply brake grease to the contact points where the brake shoes touch the backing plate and the piston face. Also apply brake grease to the pivot points at the hold-down pins, the operating lever and the adjuster lever.

Reassemble the brake by following steps in the reverse order. Refer to the wheel on the opposite side as a guide. Pump the brakes a few times to set the self-adjusting mechanism. Repeat the procedure on the opposite wheel. Replace the wheels, then lower the vehicle. Test the brakes before driving the automobile.