2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Parking Brake Adjustment

The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe's parking brake, also known as the emergency brake or handbrake, is an essential safety feature that requires periodic adjustment to maintain its effectiveness. Over time, the parking brake cable can stretch, and the brake shoes can wear, leading to reduced braking power. Proper adjustment ensures that your vehicle remains securely in place when parked, especially on inclines.

Adjusting the parking brake on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe involves tightening the cable and potentially adjusting the rear brake shoes. This process can typically be done at home with basic tools, saving you a trip to the mechanic. However, it's crucial to follow the correct procedure to avoid damaging the brake system or creating unsafe driving conditions.

Tools and Preparation

Before beginning the parking brake adjustment on your 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, it's essential to gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. This preparation will ensure a smooth and efficient adjustment process.

You'll need the following tools:

• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• 10mm deep socket
• Ratchet and extension
• Torque wrench
• Flashlight

Start by parking your Santa Fe on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling. It's crucial to work in a well-lit area with enough space around the vehicle to move freely.

Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels slightly. This step makes it easier to remove the wheels once the car is raised. Next, consult your owner's manual to locate the proper jacking points for your Santa Fe. Using the jack, lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Never rely solely on a jack to support the vehicle's weight while working underneath it.

Once the vehicle is safely supported, remove the rear wheels to access the brake components. This step is necessary for inspecting and adjusting the brake shoes if required. With the wheels removed, you'll have a clear view of the brake assembly, including the rotor, caliper, and the small drum brake mechanism used for the parking brake.

Cable Adjustment Procedure

The primary method for adjusting the parking brake on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe involves tightening the cable that connects the parking brake lever to the rear brake mechanisms. This adjustment compensates for cable stretch and wear in the system.

To begin, locate the parking brake cable adjuster. In the Santa Fe, this is typically found under the center console, near the parking brake lever. You may need to remove a small access panel or carpet piece to expose the adjuster. Once located, you'll see a threaded rod with a locking nut.

Using a 10mm deep socket and ratchet, loosen the locking nut. This allows you to turn the adjustment nut to tighten the cable. As you tighten the nut, you'll notice the parking brake lever becoming more resistant when pulled up. The goal is to achieve the correct tension where the parking brake engages firmly within 3 to 5 clicks of the lever.

To test the adjustment:

• Count the number of clicks as you pull up the parking brake lever
• The brake should start to engage around the third click
• Full engagement should occur by the fifth click

If the lever travels too far before engaging, continue tightening the adjustment nut. Conversely, if the brake engages too quickly, loosen the nut slightly. It's crucial to find the right balance to ensure proper brake function without causing premature wear.

After achieving the desired tension, hold the adjustment nut in place and tighten the locking nut against it. This prevents the adjustment from changing over time due to vibration and use. Double-check the lever action after securing the locking nut to ensure the adjustment hasn't shifted.

Brake Shoe Inspection and Adjustment

While cable adjustment is often sufficient, sometimes the parking brake shoes themselves may need adjustment or replacement. This is particularly true if you notice uneven braking or if the cable adjustment doesn't solve the issue.

To inspect the brake shoes, you'll need to access the brake assembly through the hole in the brake rotor. Rotate the rotor until you see a small rubber plug, typically located at the bottom. Remove this plug to reveal the adjuster mechanism.

Using a flathead screwdriver, locate the star wheel adjuster inside the hole. Turning this adjuster expands or contracts the brake shoes. To tighten the shoes:

• Insert the screwdriver and push the star wheel upward
• This action expands the shoes, bringing them closer to the drum surface
• Continue adjusting until you feel resistance when turning the rotor by hand
• Back off the adjuster slightly until the rotor turns freely but with a slight drag

It's important to adjust both sides equally to ensure balanced braking. After adjusting, replace the rubber plug to prevent debris from entering the brake assembly.

If you notice excessive wear on the brake shoes or if they're contaminated with oil or grease, replacement may be necessary. In this case, it's best to consult a professional mechanic, as replacing parking brake shoes can be a complex procedure requiring specialized tools.

Testing and Final Checks

After completing the cable and shoe adjustments, it's crucial to test the parking brake's effectiveness before returning the vehicle to service. This testing ensures that your adjustments have achieved the desired result and that the parking brake will hold the vehicle securely.

Start by reinstalling the rear wheels and lowering the vehicle back to the ground. Use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer-specified torque, which is typically around 65-80 ft-lbs for the 2008 Santa Fe. Proper torque is essential for wheel security and even brake performance.

To test the parking brake:

• Find a slight incline or hill
• Apply the parking brake, ensuring it engages within 3-5 clicks
• Put the transmission in neutral
• Slowly release the foot brake

The vehicle should remain stationary. If it starts to roll, further adjustment is needed. Additionally, test the brake on both uphill and downhill slopes to ensure it holds in both directions.

It's also important to check for any dragging when the parking brake is disengaged. Drive the vehicle at a low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the rear wheels. There should be no resistance or grinding sounds when the parking brake is fully released.

If you're satisfied with the adjustment, take the Santa Fe for a short drive to ensure normal operation of both the regular brakes and the parking brake. Pay attention to any pulling to one side or unusual pedal feel, which could indicate uneven adjustment.

Remember, while DIY adjustment is possible, if you're unsure at any point or if the brake doesn't perform as expected after adjustment, it's best to seek professional assistance. A properly functioning parking brake is crucial for your vehicle's safety and longevity.

FAQs About 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Parking Brake Adjustment

• How often should I adjust my Santa Fe's parking brake?
  Adjust it every 20,000-30,000 miles or when the lever pulls up more than 5-6 clicks.
• Can I adjust the parking brake without removing the wheels?
  You can adjust the cable, but for proper shoe adjustment, wheel removal is necessary.
• What if the parking brake still doesn't hold after adjustment?
  The brake shoes may be worn and need replacement, or there could be a problem with the brake mechanism.
• Is it normal for the parking brake to make noise when engaged?
  A slight clicking is normal, but grinding or squealing noises indicate a problem requiring inspection.
• Can over-tightening the parking brake cause damage?
  Yes, it can lead to premature wear of the brake shoes and potentially cause the brakes to drag.