🔧 Palisade - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

You’ll remove the rear wheels, take the rear calipers apart, swap in new pads (and hardware), then restore the electronic parking brake (EPB) to normal operation. On your Palisade, the EPB system must be put into pad/maintenance mode before you can safely push the rear pistons back.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5–3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and use jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Make sure the EPB is released and in pad/maintenance mode before compressing the rear pistons.
• ⚠️ Don’t let the caliper hang by the brake hose; support it with a hanger.
• ⚠️ Brake dust and cleaner are hazardous; wear a mask and eye protection.
• ⚠️ Brake fluid damages paint; wipe spills immediately.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 21mm socket
• 1/2" breaker bar
• 1/2" torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Flathead screwdriver
• C-clamp (6" minimum)
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner spray
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Scan tool with Hyundai EPB maintenance mode (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake pad hardware/clip kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant (silicone-based) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• Brake fluid (DOT 4) - Qty: 1 (as needed)
• Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2 (optional, if worn or warped)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the vehicle OFF, and chock the front wheels.
• Make sure the EPB is fully released (EPB light OFF).
• Pop the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir; fluid may rise when pistons are pushed back.
• If you have a scan tool: get it ready to enter EPB pad/maintenance mode before lifting the vehicle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the EPB into pad/maintenance mode

• Preferred method: Connect your scan tool with Hyundai EPB maintenance mode (specialty) and command EPB Maintenance Mode / Pad Replacement Mode.
• If your scan tool offers options: choose Rear EPB > Maintenance Mode (wording varies by tool).
• EPB maintenance mode retracts the motor.

Step 2: Loosen rear lug nuts (before lifting)

• Use a 21mm socket with a 1/2" breaker bar to loosen each rear wheel’s lug nuts about 1/2 turn.

Step 3: Lift and support the rear

• Lift the rear using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the proper rear lift point.
• Set the vehicle securely on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Give the vehicle a careful push to confirm it’s stable before working.

Step 4: Remove the rear wheels

• Remove lug nuts with a 21mm socket and ratchet (3/8") (or breaker bar).
• Remove both rear wheels and set them aside.

Step 5: Remove the rear caliper (outer portion)

• Turn the steering wheel is not needed for rear brakes; position yourself for access.
• Use a 14mm socket with a ratchet (3/8") to remove the two caliper slide/guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a brake caliper hanger hook.

Step 6: Remove old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out by hand. If stuck, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver.
• Remove the stainless pad clips from the caliper bracket (these are the “hardware”).

Step 7: Check rotor and caliper bracket condition

• Inspect the rotor face for deep grooves, heavy rust ridges, or cracking.
• If you’re replacing rotors, remove the caliper bracket using a 17mm socket and 1/2" breaker bar, then later reinstall it and Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Retract the caliper piston

• Confirm again the EPB is in maintenance mode (this matters on your Palisade).
• Position an old brake pad against the piston face, then use a C-clamp (6" minimum) to slowly compress the piston fully into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir level while compressing; remove excess fluid if it’s close to overflowing.
• Go slow to avoid damaging seals.

Step 9: Clean and prep the bracket

• Clean the caliper bracket pad-contact areas with brake cleaner spray.
• Lightly scrub rust buildup with a wire brush so the pads can slide freely.
• Install the new pad clips/hardware.

Step 10: Lubricate and install new pads

• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant (silicone-based) to the pad “ears” where they touch the new clips.
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket. They should move smoothly by hand.

Step 11: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the caliper slide/guide pin bolts using a 14mm socket and ratchet (3/8").
• Torque to 28 Nm (21 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Repeat on the other rear side

• Repeat Steps 5–11 for the other rear wheel.
• Always replace pads on both sides.

Step 13: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Torque lug nuts in a star pattern using a 1/2" torque wrench: Torque to 118 Nm (87 ft-lbs).

Step 14: Exit EPB maintenance mode

• Use the scan tool with Hyundai EPB maintenance mode (specialty) to command EPB Normal Mode / Close / Apply-Release calibration (tool wording varies).

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✅ After Repair

• Pump the brake pedal 10–15 times until it feels firm (this seats the pads against the rotors).
• Check brake fluid level and top off with DOT 4 only if needed.
• With the vehicle on the ground, apply and release the EPB a few times to confirm normal operation.
• Road test at low speed first; confirm no grinding and that braking is even.
• Pad break-in: make 6–10 moderate stops from ~30 mph to ~5 mph, allowing short cool-down between stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300–$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60–$180 (parts only)

You Save: $120–$490 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5–2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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