A solution to the premature brake pad problem on a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Yearly I have had to do maintenance on the rear brake pads to keep them from sticking, overheating and wearing out prematurely. This is a big problem with this car. Even though I do yearly maintence, I still have had to replaced the pads twice. The last time I replaced the rear pads I figured out the problem. The rust is building up under the metal clips the pads sit on and causing the pads to bind and not release. I took a dremel and a metal file and removed the rust, reassembled the brake pads and they moved smoothly. I should have put something on the metal to keep it from rusting so I do not have to do the yearly maintenance. Next time.

This is our THIRD rear brake job at just 41,000 miles. Hyundai REFUSES to admit there is a problem with these brakes. So frustrating. I've owned 5 Acura and Honda models and never needed brakes through 4 years and 50,000 miles. I wish there was something we could do. Hyundai has a simple response: "not covered under 'America's Best Warranty'"

This kind of quality problem and lack of responsibility WILL one day catch up with them. Honda would never let this happen, and that's why this is my last Hyundai.

I have three Hyundai Sonatas. Mine a 2007, my sons is a 2008 and my wife has a 2009. All are GLS models with 4 cylinder engines. These are great cars except for the rear brakes. I'm an old mechanic so I do most of my own repairs. My car experienced rear brake problems at 26,000 miles. I checked and saw the pads almost gone and then installed rear pads, checked the front and they had many miles left. Didn't think to much about this until my son complained of a noise from his brakes. He lives out of town and by the time he got to see me the rotors were ruined. After checking all the blogs and talking to some other mechanics. I realize that this is a major problem. Hyundai won't do a recall or TSB. I removed the calipers, rotors, pads, etc.and replaced all except calipers. When removing and installing pads it was evident they would not slid easily and would stick against the rotor. I cleaned every part and on the new pads filed the metal ears where the pad slides until it didn't bind and slide easily from forward to back. I then lubed with brake grease and reinstalled all parts. Car has been driven several thousand mile and all seems to be working as designed. I'll keep an eye on things as the miles increase. I checked my wifes 2009 and the same premature failure is occurring. I'll be changing them and following the same procedures as the 2008. I also will get to my car soon. Hope this helps. Seems like the sticking pads cause the wear and if you don't catch it soon enough your rotors are ruined.

The rear brakes pads on these four wheel disks are wearing on many cars prematurely.

Dealer said to clean the little disk pad holding clips this would help allow the disk to ride more freely. I did this and now I will see what happens. Apparently this is an ongoing problem with many cars with four wheel disks and ABS. I am wodering if it is not the proportioning valve distributing equal force to all four wheels. The rear disk pads are 1/2 the surface area of the front pads, therefore would be inclined to wear out twice as fast. I guess it is a good a theory as any one elses. It looks like the rear pads are going to have to be changed every 20000 to 25000 miles to be safe. Really is a pain in the butt.

I changed the pads myself, cleaned the clips thoroughly and now I will wait to see if it happens again. I used a high grade pad, semi metallic.