How do you manually adjust drum brakes on a Kia Sportage?

Answer by  monocogger (432)

The Kia Sportages don't have automatically adjusting drum brakes. So, in order to adjust the brake shoes you must access the adjuster screw from a small access hole in the side of the brake drum. A small flat bladed screwdriver will be required to turn the small star adjuster. This adjustment needs to be made every 7000 miles or so.

Answer by  MechMan3 (885)

Drive the car in reverse and pull the parking brake while doing so. If that doesn't work, manual adjustment is needed. On the backing plate there's a oval rubber plug that you stick a screwdriver into and turn the star adjustment wheel.

Answer by  McKannick (31)

Your Kia typically has 'self-adjusting' rear brakes, which on most cars are actuated when the parking brake is applied. If yours aren't working, perhaps they're rusted in place. Get checked.

Answer by  bikerbojo (282)

Find rubber grommet on backing plate. Remove grommet. Use brake adjustment tool to move adjuster out to required adjustment. Replace grommet.

Answer by  tennisha88 (20)

There is a tension sensor that pushes out or in. It looks like a battery with two points at the end. Turn it and push it out.