🔧 Tucson - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

This job replaces the rear disc brake pads on your Tucson. Rear pads wear down over time and should be replaced before the friction material gets too thin and damages the rotors.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool vehicle parked on level ground.
• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is removed.
• ⚠️ Support your Tucson with jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep the parking brake released while replacing rear pads, but chock the front wheels so the vehicle cannot roll.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Brake dust can irritate your skin and eyes.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this rear brake pad replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug nut socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 14mm wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Brake caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Torque wrench rated 20-150 ft-lbs
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Brake cleaner spray
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground.
• Shift the transmission into Park.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels.
• Open the hood and check the brake fluid reservoir. If it is completely full, use shop towels around the reservoir to catch any overflow when the caliper pistons are compressed.
• A caliper is the clamp-shaped brake part that squeezes the pads against the rotor.
• A rotor is the round metal disc behind the wheel.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Lug Nuts

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet to loosen each rear wheel lug nut about half a turn.
• Do this while the tires are still on the ground so the wheels do not spin.
• Do not fully remove them yet.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of your Tucson at a safe rear jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Lightly shake the vehicle by hand to confirm it is stable before working near the wheels.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.
• Slide one wheel under the side of the vehicle as an extra safety backup.

Step 4: Remove the Lower Caliper Bolt

• Locate the rear brake caliper on one side.
• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower caliper slide pin bolt.
• If the slide pin spins, hold it steady with the 14mm wrench while loosening the bolt with the 14mm socket.
• A slide pin lets the caliper move slightly so both pads wear evenly.

Step 5: Swing the Caliper Up

• Use the flat-head screwdriver gently between the caliper and pad if the caliper is tight.
• Swing the caliper upward like a small door.
• Do not stretch, twist, or hang weight from the rubber brake hose.
• Be gentle with the brake hose.

Step 6: Remove the Old Brake Pads

• Pull the old inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket by hand.
• If they are stuck, use the flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry them out.
• Notice how the wear indicator tab is positioned before removing the pads.
• The wear indicator is a small metal tab that squeals when pads are worn out.

Step 7: Remove and Clean the Hardware

• Use the flat-head screwdriver to pop the old pad clips out of the caliper bracket.
• Spray the bracket contact areas with brake cleaner spray.
• Wipe the area clean with shop towels.
• Install the new clips from the rear brake hardware kit by pressing them into place by hand.
• Pad clips are thin metal guides that help the brake pads slide smoothly.

Step 8: Compress the Caliper Piston

• Place an old brake pad against the caliper piston.
• Use the brake caliper piston compression tool to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• A piston is the round metal part inside the caliper that pushes the brake pad.
• Check the brake fluid reservoir while compressing. If fluid rises too high, stop and absorb overflow with shop towels.
• Go slowly to protect the system.

Step 9: Lubricate the New Pad Contact Points

• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the areas where the brake pad ears touch the new clips.
• Use nitrile gloves to keep grease off your hands.
• Do not put lubricant on the pad friction surface or rotor face.
• The friction surface is the rough pad material that touches the rotor.

Step 10: Install the New Rear Pads

• Install the new inner and outer pads into the caliper bracket by hand.
• Make sure the pads sit flat in the clips and can slide slightly.
• If the pads are tight, remove them and confirm the clips are fully seated.

Step 11: Reinstall the Caliper

• Swing the caliper down over the new pads by hand.
• Install the lower caliper slide pin bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the caliper slide pin bolt to Torque to 22-29 Nm (16-21 ft-lbs).
• If the slide pin spins, hold it with the 14mm wrench while tightening with the 14mm socket.

Step 12: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat Steps 4 through 11 on the other rear brake assembly.
• Always replace rear brake pads in pairs so braking stays even.

Step 13: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Place each rear wheel back onto the hub.
• Thread the lug nuts on by hand first.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 14: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Tucson fully to the ground.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 108-127 Nm (80-94 ft-lbs).

Step 15: Pump the Brake Pedal

• Sit in the driver seat and press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• This moves the caliper pistons back into position against the new pads.
• Do not drive until the pedal feels firm.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the brake fluid level and make sure it is between the MIN and MAX marks.
• Look behind both rear wheels for leaks or loose parts.
• Test the brake pedal before moving. It should feel firm, not soft or sinking.
• Drive slowly in a safe area and make several gentle stops.
• Bed in the new pads with 8-10 moderate stops from about 30 mph, allowing time between stops for cooling.
• Avoid hard braking for the first 100-200 miles unless needed for safety.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first short drive using the 21mm lug nut socket and torque wrench.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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