What Causes the Car to Be Unable to Move Due to Drum Brake Rust?
3 Answers
Because the rust is too stubborn, using continuous braking not only fails to "polish" it but also accelerates the wear of the brake pads if forced. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Check the brake pads: Brake pads are the most critical safety components in the braking system. New brake pads are about 1.5 cm thick, and when worn down to 3-5 mm, they need to be replaced. 2. Observe the brake fluid: Car owners should pay attention to the color and level of the brake fluid. Brake fluid should be a slightly yellow, transparent liquid. If not replaced for a long time, it can turn black or green, affecting braking performance. If the brake fluid does not reach the reservoir's baseline, allowing air to enter, it will affect the sensitivity of the brakes. 3. Check for abnormal noises in the brakes: Worn-out brake pads, very hard small particles in the brake pads rubbing against the brake disc, or foreign objects stuck inside can all cause abnormal noises.
With over a decade of experience in auto repair, I've frequently encountered the issue of drum brakes seizing up due to rust, rendering the car immobile. This commonly occurs when the vehicle has been parked for extended periods—say, ten days to half a month—allowing moisture in the braking system to cause the brake shoes and drum to rust and fuse together, effectively locking the wheel. Starting the engine or attempting to push the car in this state proves challenging. The solution involves first trying to shift into neutral and gently rocking the car back and forth to see if it loosens. If that fails, professional intervention is necessary for rust removal or part replacement. For prevention, it's advisable to avoid prolonged parking; instead, start and drive the car for a few minutes weekly. When parking, choose dry locations, steering clear of damp, moisture-prone spots. Neglecting this issue can lead to rust spreading to other components, escalating repair costs, and compromising driving safety. Regular maintenance can save significant hassle in the long run.
My old pickup truck had the same issue. Last time when I came back from a two-week business trip and tried to drive, I found the wheels stuck as if glued. After fiddling with it for a while, I realized the drum brakes had rusted: the brake shoes seized the wheel hub due to rust. I tried rocking it back and forth but with little effect, and ended up paying the repair shop to fix it. The cause was probably prolonged parking combined with post-rain humidity. The lesson is not to let the vehicle sit idle—drive it periodically; if long-term parking is unavoidable, use a car cover to prevent moisture. This problem is troublesome and may even damage other components, so I’ve learned my lesson—move it around more often. Parking duration management is crucial, especially during humid seasons—extra caution is needed.
