What to Do When the Rear Brakes Lock Up?
2 Answers
First, try forcing the car to start by stepping hard on the accelerator. As long as the rear wheels move, the issue should resolve. Second, remove the tire and lightly tap the brake drum with a hammer or similar tool to loosen the contact surface between the brake drum and the brake pads. Below are classifications related to brake lock-up: 1. Brake lock-up caused by the brake caliper not retracting: Simply put, even when not pressing the brake pedal, you may feel significant resistance from the car, and in severe cases, abnormal noises or even wheel lock-up may occur. If the brake fluid hasn't been changed for a long time, leading to internal rust in the brake caliper, it can be repaired by sanding with sandpaper and applying grease. If the caliper itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced directly. 2. Static wheel lock-up after parking: The vehicle may lock up after being parked overnight. This phenomenon often occurs in vehicles with drum brakes on the rear wheels. The friction pads are semi-metallic-based brake pads, and the brake drum is made of cast iron. When the parking brake is engaged, the brake pads and drum are tightly pressed together. If exposed to water, metal oxidation and rust can cause adhesion. The solution is to spray rust remover or sand with sandpaper.
Once during a long-distance drive, my rear brakes suddenly locked up, causing the tires to skid, which was quite frightening. I immediately eased off the accelerator, turned on the hazard lights, and slowly coasted to the side of the road, avoiding any pedal input as a sudden brake could have caused a rollover. After coming to a stop, I checked and found that the brake caliper had rusted, causing the pads to stick—something I couldn’t fix myself. I had to call a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop, where professionals replaced the caliper and brake fluid. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to perform regular brake maintenance, especially in rainy areas prone to rust, checking the brake system every six months. I recommend everyone prioritize safety—if you encounter such a situation, don’t push your luck; seek help immediately to avoid risks.
