What Causes Rear Wheel Lock-Up?
3 Answers
Rear wheel lock-up may be caused by water entering the brake drum. Here are some tire maintenance precautions: Run-flat tires: There are many causes of tire blowouts, such as tire quality issues, excessive or insufficient tire pressure, vehicle overload or unbalanced loading, excessive speed, improper driving methods, and excessively high tire temperatures. To prevent tire blowouts, it is important to pay attention to regular tire maintenance and inspections. Preventing underinflated tire wear: Tire pressure is a critical factor in maintenance. Before driving, during the trip, and after parking, promptly check the tire pressure and identify the cause of underinflation, then address it to prevent tire wear due to underinflation.
I've encountered rear wheel lock-up issues with many cars I've driven, mainly due to brake system failures. For instance, when the brake caliper jams and doesn't retract, or when the brake drum rusts and locks the wheel—this happens more frequently during prolonged rainy periods. In older vehicles, corrosion of the drive shaft or axle can also cause the wheel to seize. Once locked, the car pulls sharply to one side, which is extremely dangerous. I remember one time on the highway when the wheel locked up, nearly causing me to hit the guardrail—I had to quickly slow down and pull over. When inspecting, check if the brake pedal feels abnormal or if there's any brake fluid leakage. Gently pumping the brakes a few times might sometimes free them up, but don't force it. Head straight to a repair shop to replace parts or clean the system. Don't skip regular maintenance—washing the car and rinsing the wheel hubs to prevent rust is crucial for safe driving. Never cut corners on safety.
Working in an auto repair shop for a long time, dealing with rear wheel lock-up is quite common. It's mostly caused by stuck brake calipers or rusted drum brakes preventing the wheel hub from turning. Issues in the drivetrain like differential failure or bearing damage can also be culprits. The check is simple: jack up the car and try turning the rear wheel to see if it's stiff, or disassemble to inspect caliper movement. If the ABS light is on, don't ignore potential sensor problems. Fixing isn't hard—clean off rust and replace faulty parts. But remind car owners not to delay; this issue causes abnormal tire wear and makes the car prone to losing control, especially on slippery rainy roads. Regular brake system maintenance is key for prevention, saving money and lives.
