What Causes the Rear Wheels of a Car Not to Turn?
2 Answers
Rear wheels not turning requires distinguishing between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles. Below are the summarized reasons for rear wheels not turning: 1. Front-wheel drive vehicles: (1) Brake caliper not retracting or oil line blockage causing the rear wheels to fail to drive (2) Brake pads not separating or foreign objects embedded behind the brake pads causing the rear wheels to fail to drive (3) Hub bearings seized, preventing the rear wheels from driving and turning 2. Rear-wheel drive vehicles: (1) Need to inspect the brake system, as well as the rear axle main reducer and differential planetary gears. 3. Other possibilities: Brake caliper lacking oil or being damaged, causing failure to separate and resulting in brake drag; the tire can be removed for inspection.
Seeing the rear wheels of a car suddenly stop turning, I've experienced similar situations a few times and think it could be caused by multiple factors. First, check the braking system, especially whether the handbrake is stuck or not properly released—many people forget this step and end up with the rear wheels locked after starting. Second, it could be a drivetrain issue; if the car is rear-wheel drive, a broken driveshaft or differential problem can cause the wheels to stop turning completely. Tire issues are also common, such as rust jamming the wheel hub or foreign objects blocking the wheel, especially after parking for long periods in rainy or humid conditions. Additionally, bearing damage can cause high rotational resistance. If you notice any problems, stop driving immediately to avoid further damage and call a mechanic for an on-site inspection. For regular maintenance, it's recommended to check the brakes and tire condition monthly and keep them clean to prevent rust.