How to Solve Rear Wheel Locking After Releasing the Handbrake?
3 Answers
The solutions for rear wheel locking after releasing the handbrake are: 1. Force start by stepping hard on the accelerator; once the rear wheels move, the locking can be released. 2. Remove the tire and tap the brake drum with a hammer or similar tool to loosen the contact surface between the brake drum and the brake pads. The reasons for rear wheel locking after releasing the handbrake include: 1. The car's handbrake cable not retracting; 2. The car's brake caliper not retracting; 3. The brake friction pads being frozen. Other situations of car wheel locking include: In cars without ABS, if the brake pedal is pressed hard while driving, the wheel speed will rapidly decrease. When the braking force exceeds the friction between the wheel and the ground, the wheel will lock. A completely locked wheel reduces the friction between the tire and the ground, and in severe cases, dangerous phenomena such as skidding, fishtailing, and sudden spinning may occur.
After I released the handbrake, the rear wheels remained stuck and wouldn't move. I've seen this situation many times during car repairs—it's usually caused by rust or sticking. The most common reason is leaving the car parked for too long, especially in rainy or humid conditions, where pulling the handbrake too tightly can cause the brake discs and pads to fuse together. Fixing it isn't too difficult. First, try gently moving the car forward or backward a short distance to see if it can shake loose the stuck point. If that doesn't work, get out and lightly tap around the brake disc with a stick or wrench to help loosen the rust. If necessary, apply a small amount of lubricant to the handbrake cable connection, but don't overdo it to avoid attracting dust. For prevention, avoid pulling the handbrake fully when parking for extended periods—using wheel chocks is a better alternative, especially in damp areas. In short, handling it yourself can be quick, but if that doesn't work, seek professional repair immediately, as this affects braking system safety, and delaying could damage more components.
I recently encountered this issue while driving—the rear wheels remained completely locked even after releasing the handbrake, as if glued in place. As a car enthusiast who loves tinkering, I find it annoying but solvable. First, step out and check for any debris stuck in the tires. Then, try slowly reversing or moving forward a few meters; slight vibrations often do the trick. If it’s still stuck, the handbrake cable might be rusty or the caliper spring could be faulty—apply some WD-40 for lubrication or gently pry the brake pads with hand tools. I remember parking by the beach once and facing the same issue, where rain and sand accelerated corrosion. For prevention, avoid yanking the handbrake too hard after parking, especially in humid weather, and opt for a garage over open parking. If all else fails, don’t force it—call a tow truck or visit a repair shop. Safety first: a locked wheel can damage tires or even cause accidents, so handle with care.
