How to Fix a Locked Rear Wheel on a Polo?
3 Answers
First, drive forward and backward three times, but avoid making the movements too large. Otherwise, the brake pads and brake drum may not separate, causing the tire to be forcibly dragged and wear out. Pour 100°C boiling water between the brake pads and brake drum. The thermal expansion might cause them to separate automatically, and then you can try the above method again. Gently tap both sides—this might help separate them. If that doesn't work, you can kick the tire a few times, which might also help.
Sigh, talking about the Polo's rear wheel lock-up reminds me of the similar trouble I had with my car last year. I was driving to work when the right rear wheel suddenly seized up—the dragging sensation was way too obvious. The main causes are usually brake system issues, like stuck calipers, rust adhesion, or dirty brake fluid clogging the lines. After parking safely, I checked the caliper components and found the piston rusted solid, preventing the wheel from turning. I rushed to the repair shop, where the technician disassembled the caliper for cleaning and lubrication, replaced the brake fluid and caliper pins, and reminded me that parking for too long in rainy or dusty conditions can easily cause this. So now, I lightly tap the brakes and drive a few rounds to dry the system before parking. ABS failure could also be a hidden risk—don’t tinker blindly; safety comes first. Regular brake maintenance is key, since breaking down on the road is seriously dangerous.
Buddy, my Polo also had a locked-up right rear wheel last week, probably due to the brake disc rusting and jamming the brake pads after the heavy rain a few days ago. It was stuck in the parking lot and really nerve-wracking. I tried stepping on the brake and shifting gears to move it, which helped a bit but wasn't a lasting solution. Later, I learned some emergency tricks—first, park the car securely, then use a wrench to tap the wheel hub to loosen the rust, or remove the wheel and apply some brake lubricant as a temporary fix. But it's best not to overdo it; you might end up damaging parts and making it worse. Long-term, it could be a stuck caliper piston or a faulty master cylinder, so it's best to get it repaired and replace the parts. Also, check the ABS to avoid false alarms. When driving, try not to leave the car unused for too long, keep the brakes flexible, and pay extra attention to the anti-lock braking system.
