What Causes the Rear Wheel of a Car to Stop Moving?
3 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.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've handled numerous cases of rear wheel lock-up. Common issues stem from brake system malfunctions: a broken return spring in drum brakes can cause the brake shoes to remain engaged, or clogged brake lines may prevent the wheel cylinder from retracting. Axle hub problems are also frequent; a seized bearing will lock up, often accompanied by distinct metal grinding noises. For four-wheel-drive models, special attention should be paid to the central differential lock, as some owners accidentally engage the locking switch. Once, a customer's vehicle wouldn't move after off-roading—turns out the splines connecting the axle shaft to the hub were completely worn down. Newer models with electronic parking brakes require extra caution, as motor jamming can cause forced braking. These situations all require professional diagnostic equipment—don't attempt DIY fixes, as dragging locked wheels can destroy tires.
