What Causes the Rear Wheels to Lock Up?
2 Answers
The reasons for the rear wheels locking up are water ingress into the brake drum and hard emergency braking. Here are the detailed explanations: Water ingress into the brake drum: If the vehicle has been parked for too long, moisture was not promptly removed after driving in the rain, or the brake drum was not treated after getting wet during car washing, rust can form on the brake drum, eliminating the gap between the drum and the brake shoes, leading to excessive force during braking, which may cause the wheels to lock up. Hard emergency braking: During emergency braking, if the brake pedal is pressed too hard, the brake shoes can lock the wheels, meaning the brake locks the tires. If the rear axle locks up, it may result in rear-wheel skidding.
The other day, my car's rear wheels suddenly locked up and wouldn't budge, leaving me stranded for hours. Common causes could be issues with the braking system, like brake pads rust-welded to the discs—especially if parked in damp places for long, where moisture evaporates and causes rust adhesion. Or the brake caliper piston might be stuck and not retracting, forcibly locking the wheels. Also check the brake fluid: if the level is too low or it's contaminated, it can affect pressure distribution. Worn or rusted wheel bearings can also cause rotation issues. Heavy rain or icy conditions make it worse, with debris and water seeping in. I must stress getting it checked ASAP—don't delay to avoid accidents. Regular driving helps prevent rust from prolonged parking.
