How to Replace Rear Brake Pads & Rotors on a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (EPB or Manual)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and parking brake service mode guidance for 2017, 2018, 2019
How to Replace Rear Brake Pads & Rotors on a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (EPB or Manual)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and parking brake service mode guidance for 2017, 2018, 2019
🔧 Ioniq - Rear Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement
Rear pads and rotors on your Ioniq can be a straightforward DIY job, but the exact steps change depending on whether your car has an electronic parking brake (EPB) or a mechanical parking brake. I can walk you through it step-by-step with the correct method once we confirm which setup you have.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work on level ground and use jack stands—never rely on a jack alone.
- ⚠️ Brakes may contain dust; avoid blowing with compressed air. Use brake cleaner.
- ⚠️ If you have EPB, you must put it in service mode or retract it properly before compressing the piston.
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear when removing the caliper; don’t let it hang by the brake hose.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Lug wrench
- Metric socket set (8mm–19mm)
- Ratchet
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench (10–150 ft-lbs)
- Flathead screwdriver
- C-clamp brake piston compressor
- Caliper hanger hook (specialty)
- Wire brush
- Brake cleaner spray
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
- Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2
- Brake caliper slide pin grease (synthetic) - Qty: 1
- Brake hardware kit (clips/shims) - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, turn the car OFF, and chock the front wheels.
- If your Ioniq has a parking brake pedal, release it fully before lifting the rear.
- If your Ioniq has an EPB switch/button, do not start disassembly until EPB service mode is confirmed.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm which parking brake system you have
- Look between the front seats: if you have a small EPB switch, you have electronic parking brake.
- If you have a foot pedal (or a hand lever), you have a mechanical parking brake.
Step 2: Confirm rear brake type (disc vs drum)
- Look through the rear wheel spokes: if you see a caliper hugging a rotor, it’s a rear disc setup.
- If you see a closed “drum-like” housing with no caliper, it’s rear drums (rotor replacement would not apply).
Step 3: Reply with these two answers so I can give the exact OEM-correct steps + torque specs
- Tell me: EPB switch or parking brake pedal/lever?
- Tell me: rear disc with caliper or rear drum?
✅ After Repair
- Once we confirm your setup and you complete the job, you’ll do a careful test drive and a brake pedal “pump-up” check before moving.
- If EPB-equipped, you’ll also confirm EPB operation and warning lights after reassembly.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $140-$320 (parts only)
You Save: $310-$530 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.


















