How to Fix a Non-Rotating Rear Wheel of a Car?
3 Answers
Step on the accelerator hard, and as long as the rear wheel moves, it should be fine. The second method is to remove the tire and then loosen the contact surface between the brake disc and brake pad. Use the onboard tire removal wrench on any of the wheel bolts of the stuck wheel, and twist forcefully—direction doesn’t matter—to force it to rotate once. If the temperature of the brake disc and brake pad exceeds the ambient temperature, stopping immediately after encountering water can cause rapid cooling, leading to rust on the surfaces of both components and resulting in the rear wheel becoming stuck.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have dealt with rear wheels not moving quite a few times. Common causes include rusted brake calipers seizing up or differential issues affecting rear wheel rotation. If it's after rain or the car hasn't been driven for a long time, brake discs can stick—try gently pressing the accelerator to see if it loosens, but be careful not to force it and damage the car. Also, check around the tires for large rocks stuck or mud blockages; I've seen some cars unable to move because debris got tangled around the wheels after off-roading. If manually turning the wheel meets significant resistance, it's likely a mechanical failure. You should call a tow truck to get it to a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid damaging the driveshaft by delaying. Regular car washes and brake system maintenance can prevent this situation. I think it's important not to overlook small issues to save money.
As someone who often works on cars, my diagnosis for a non-rotating rear wheel is straightforward: First, get out and manually spin the tire to check for smooth rotation. If it's stuck tight, it's often due to seized brakes or a bad bearing. Listen for any metal grinding sounds—that's a common clue. I also inspect the driveshaft connection points for looseness, which requires some experience. If the tire spins freely but the car won't move, it might be a differential issue. For DIY fixes, I only recommend removing debris from the tire or spraying rust inhibitor on the brake discs, but I don’t advise beginners to go deeper—it’s easy to mess up. For safety, it’s best to have a professional shop check it with proper tools. Don’t forget to inspect the rear suspension monthly for preventive maintenance.
