What Causes the Right Rear Wheel of a Car Not to Turn?
4 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the rear wheel of a car does not turn: Controller Damage: Because the controller (three-phase AC inverter) suddenly breaks down due to high heat, it also causes a short circuit between the components of the output three-phase power supply. When pushing, the motor is in a short-circuit power generation state (working in the energy consumption braking state), making it very difficult to push. Inter-turn Short Circuit: It is caused by a sudden inter-turn short circuit inside the motor. At this time, the pushing resistance will also be very large, and you can only find a car to tow it to the repair point for motor repair. The brushless motor of an electric vehicle is a permanent magnet three-phase AC motor. When pushing, it will be in a power generation state. If there is a short circuit in the output, it cannot be pushed.
That day while driving, I noticed the right rear wheel wouldn't turn. After pulling over, I checked the tire pressure which was normal, but the wheel simply wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pushed, giving me quite a scare. It might be due to seized brake pads - especially after parking in rainy seasons when moisture causes brake discs to rust and stick. Another possibility is worn or broken wheel bearings, which would produce a knocking sound when turning and directly compromise driving safety. Sometimes it could be drivetrain issues like a broken half-shaft or seized universal joint. I had a similar experience last time, which turned out to be a small stone stuck in the brake caliper causing the lockup. My advice: don't force it. First try gently kicking the wheel to see if it loosens, or get someone to help push the car for diagnosis. If that doesn't work, immediately visit a professional repair shop - continuing to drive could damage tires, suspension, even the differential, leading to much costlier repairs. For prevention, always park in dry areas and drive briefly after car washes to prevent rust buildup.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've seen many cases where the right rear wheel fails to rotate. A common issue is brake system corrosion leading to seizure, especially after parking in coastal or humid areas—the caliper piston doesn't retract, locking the wheel. Bearing damage is another frequent problem; lack of lubrication or water ingress causing bearing failure can immobilize the wheel. I recommend first visually inspecting the tire for impact marks or foreign objects, then tapping the wheel rim with a wrench to listen for sound—a hollow noise may indicate bearing issues. Differential failure is also possible, particularly in 4WD models. Don’t neglect bearing lubrication during routine maintenance; check brake pad thickness and flexibility every three months—early detection saves money and hassle. Remember, never force the steering or stomp on the throttle, as this can damage suspension links or wheel hubs. Always opt for a reliable mechanic’s inspection for safety.
When a wheel suddenly stops turning, safety is paramount. Upon discovering the right rear wheel was stuck, I immediately pulled over to a safe spot, engaged the handbrake, and inspected it. The cause is likely either brake seizure or bearing failure, but the biggest concern is the wheel locking up and skidding while driving, especially at high speeds or during turns, which can easily lead to loss of control. Other possibilities include the tire being jammed by a foreign object or a broken axle causing transmission failure. During inspection, check for unusual friction marks or a burning smell around the wheel. If present, cut the power immediately to prevent fire. Never attempt to start the engine and force the car to move, as this could overheat the differential and cause more severe damage. It's advisable to call for professional roadside assistance to ensure the safety of the entire vehicle.
