The rear brakes on the 2006 Hyundai Elantra endure less stress during braking than their front-wheel counterparts. The rear brakes are responsible for aiding in the braking process, specifically in stabilizing the Hyundai for more driver control during braking. Previous editions of the Elantra were fitted with rear drum brakes. The drum brakes are a less efficient and less expensive alternative to the all-wheel anti-lock disc brake arrangement on the 2006 model. Replace the rear brakes when significant wear or damage occurs.
Park the Elantra on a flat surface and turn the engine off. Put the transmission in "park" and apply the emergency (parking) brake.
Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels with the tire iron from the Hyundai's wheel maintenance kit. Place the jack under the frame in the back of the vehicle and lift the rear tires off the ground. Take the lugs off by hand and remove the rear wheels.
Place a 10 mm wrench around the brake bleed valve located on the back of the rear brake caliper. Place a drip pan beneath the valve to capture the brake fluid.
Place the C-clamp on the back side of the brake caliper and into the opening on the front of the caliper. Screw the clamp to force the brake pads into the caliper piston. This will depress the caliper piston to make removal of the caliper possible as well as allow for the extra thickness of new brake pads and rotors. Tighten the brake bleed valve with the 10 mm wrench and remove the drip pan.
Remove the caliper slide bolts from the back side of the caliper with a 14-mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly and suspend it above the wheel hub with a bungee cord.
Pry the brake pads from the caliper bridge with a flat screwdriver. Discard the worn pads. Remove the two bolts that hold the caliper bridge in place around the rotor. Use a 16 mm socket wrench to loosen each bolt. Set the bridge aside until after you have replaced the rotor.
Strike the center section of the rotor with a dead-blow hammer. Grab either side of the rotor and pull it from the wheel hub. Clean the new rotor with brake parts cleaner to remove the preserving oil that coats the disc for shipping and storage. Slide the new rotor onto the wheel bolts.
Replace the caliper bridge around the new rotor and screw in the bolts by hand. Tighten both bolts with the socket wrench. Apply brake grease to the back sides of each of the new brake pads. Slide the pads into the slots of the caliper bridge.
Place the caliper over the new pads and rotor and screw in the slide bolts. Tighten the bolts with the 14 mm wrench. Repeat the process for the rear brake on the other side of the Elantra.
Place the rear wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
Lift the back of the Hyundai with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the rear tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron. Return to the driver's seat.
Press the brake pedal three times and hold the pedal down. Repeat the depressions until the response from the pedal normalizes. Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Move to the front of the Elantra.
Lift the hood. Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel into the reservoir. Fill the container with brake fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Hyundai's hood.
