What Causes the Rear Wheel of a Car to Stop Moving?
2 Answers
If the rear wheel of a car stops moving, it may be due to issues such as brake lock-up, handbrake failure, or rear wheel malfunction. Below are the specific details: 1. Brake Lock-up: Possible causes include oil pipeline leakage, lack of oil, air in the system, brake caliper not retracting, brake shoe jamming, or poor brake cylinder retraction. 2. Handbrake Failure: This could involve the handbrake cable getting stuck on one side and not retracting, abnormal handbrake lever operation (control failure, such as a loose handle or missing fixing screws), or electronic handbrake control malfunction (or its wiring issues). 3. Rear Wheel Malfunction: Potential problems include seized bearings, a stuck half-shaft on one side, differential lock-up, or burning out due to lack of oil in the bearings or differential.
A few days ago, my car also experienced this situation—the rear wheel suddenly locked up and stopped turning. I checked a few things by trial and error: first, to see if the handbrake was stuck and didn’t release, especially since it’s prone to freezing in rain or snow; then, I checked the tire gaps for any large stones or foreign objects stuck inside; after that, I crawled under the car to inspect if the axle shaft was broken or severely deformed. The most troublesome issue is a differential failure—like last time when my friend’s car skidded in the mud and the differential gears shattered, causing the wheels to lock up completely. For rear-wheel-drive cars, the probability of driveshaft problems is higher, as a damaged universal joint can directly prevent power transmission. I suggest you avoid forcing the car to move and instead take it to a reliable repair shop for a proper lift inspection. After all, locked wheels can easily damage other components.
