How to Replace Rear Brake Pads on a Kia

The rear brake pads on a Kia are key components of the braking system. The brake pads are responsible for squeezing against the metal disc rotors during braking. The friction between the pads and the rotors during the braking process causes wear. Worn Kia brake pads will expose the brake pad wear indicators. The indicators, metal pieces built into the pad material, scrape against the rotors to create an audible alert for the driver. When the squeal from the brake pad wear indicators are heard, the pads should be replaced at the vehicle owner's earliest convenience.

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels with the lug wrench. Use the lug wrench included in the Kia's wheel maintenance kit located in the spare tire well in the boot of the vehicle.

Place the lifting jack beneath the frame at the rear of the Kia. Lift the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame near the rear wheels.

Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels off the wheel bolts. Lay the tire flat on the ground near the brake assembly for use as a seat while you replace the brake pads.

Remove the two caliper bolts located on the inner side of the brake caliper. The caliper fits around the brake rotor and contains the two brake pads. Use a 13mm wrench or socket and ratchet to remove the bolts.

Pull the caliper away from the rotor. Take the worn brake pads from the sides of the caliper. Rest the caliper on a jack stand or on the steering arm above the wheel hub to avoid allowing the caliper to hang by the brake line.

Place the vise-grip pliers around the caliper and caliper piston. The piston is wrapped in rubber and extends from the inner side of the caliper. Slowly squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper.

Place the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. The pads will be equipped with metal clips that secure the pads to the caliper walls.

Return the caliper to the rotor and replace the caliper bolts.

Replace the wheel onto the wheel bolts and screw on the five lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a staggered order to avoid wedging the wheel onto the wheel bolts at an angle.

Lift the Kia with the lifting jack and remove the jack stands from beneath the frame. Lower the vehicle until the tires are back on the ground.

Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench; again stagger the order (tighten one lug nut, skip one and tighten the third lug nut until all of the bolts are tight).

Press the brake pedal repeatedly until the response from the pedal returns to normal. The first few depressions of the pedal will feel soft. The pedal response will normalise once the fluid pressure builds in the caliper, forcing the caliper piston back into the proper position for braking.