The 2010-2013 KIA Soul has one of the most trouble-free brake systems on the market. But, when some Kia Souls begin to push 50,000-70,000 miles, they can suffer more from cheap brake pad slaps and a lack of service to the calipers, ABS system and brake hardware.
Kia Soul Disc Brakes
The Kia Soul’s front brakes are single-piston floating calipers. The rear brakes can be either drums or discs with the parking brake in the hat. These are the same brakes found on many other KIAs.
The only brake-related TSB for the Kia Soul pertains to brake noise and the importance of servicing the slides and abutment clip: TSB KT2008090502 describes how corroded areas of the caliper bracket can cause brake pads to become frozen in the caliper. The TSB advises technicians to clean the area that makes contact with the brake pad and apply a light coating of brake caliper grease to the areas.
Torque Specifications
In KIA’s service information, a torque range is given instead of a set torque specification.
Front Caliper Guide Pin: 15.9-23.1 ft./lbs
Front Caliper Bracket Bolt: 57.9-72.3 ft./lbs
Rear Caliper Guide Bolt: 15.9-23.1 ft./lbs
Rear Caliper Bracket Bolt: 47.0-54.3 ft./lbs
Kia Soul Brake Rotors
The 2010-2013 Kia Soul does not have a reputation for brake rotor pulsation or premature wear. Most customers state that the front rotors will last two sets of brake pads before meeting discard specifications.
Disc Thickness Variation
Front: .0002”
Rear: .00039”
Lateral Runout
Front: .00098”
Rear: .00197”
Drum Brakes
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. These have no reported problems.
ABS System
The Kia Soul uses the Mando MGH 40 ABS system. This system is one of the quietest ABS modulators on the market that gives very little pedal kick or change in height when activated. The control module has two 16-bit processors and one 8-bit processor that monitor each other and cooperate to perform corrections.
The majority of Kia Souls have electronic brake distribution (EBD). The system controls the maximum braking effectiveness of the rear wheels. EBD, controlled by the ABS Control Module, calculates the slip ratio of each wheel at all times and controls the brake pressure of the rear wheels so as not to exceed that of the front wheels. If the EBD fails, the EBD warning lamp (parking brake lamp) lights up.
If there is an ABS fault, it will disable the stability control system (ESC) and traction control system (TCS). If the ESC or TCS has faults, it will not disable the ABS. The EBD system may enter into a fail-safe mode that puts the system into a mode that is static.
The front wheel speed sensors are mounted on the knuckle, and the tone ring is on the inner seal of the wheel bearing. The rear wheel speed sensor is integrated into the hub unit. All wheel speed sensors are active two-wire sensors.
The system performs a diagnostic check once the key is turned to the on position, and the system performs a check of the ABS pump motor when the vehicle reaches 9 mph. This check is performed at this speed to prevent the customer from hearing the pump activate.
Kia Soul Brake Bleeding
The bleeding sequence is different than most vehicles. KIA recommends: Right/Rear, Left/Front, Left/Rear and Right Front. The ABS system can be bled by selecting the “HCU Air Bleed Mode” on a factory or enhanced scan tool.
Rear Disc Parking Brake Adjustment
1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel.
3. Remove the plug from the disc.
4. Rotate the toothed wheel of the adjuster by using a screwdriver until the disc is not moving, and then turn it by 3 to 5 notches in the opposite direction.
Rear Drum Adjustment
For rear drum brakes, shoe clearance is automatically adjusted by the adjuster and adjusting lever. Depress the brake pedal several times to set the self-adjusting mechanism.
Parking Brake Lever Adjustment
1. Remove the panel at the back of the center console.
2. The nut at the base of the equalizer bar adjusts the length of the cable.
3. Adjust the nut until the parking brake engages fully within 5 to 7 clicks.
