Why do the rear wheels not move when the handbrake is released?
4 Answers
There are several reasons why the rear wheels may not move when the handbrake is released, including rusted brake pads and locked rear drum brakes. Below are detailed explanations for these issues: Rusted Brake Pads: Sometimes, the brake pads or brake discs may rust, causing this issue. You can try shifting into forward gear to move the car forward slightly, then shift into reverse to move it backward. Repeating this cycle a few times may resolve the problem. Locked Rear Drum Brakes: If the rear drum brakes are locked, they may remain engaged even after releasing the handbrake. To address this, remove the rear wheels and open the drum covers. Check if rust is causing the brakes to lock. Use WD40 to spray the affected areas and test the brakes by pressing them multiple times until the issue is resolved.
I encountered this situation last time, it was after a rainy season. The car had been parked for a week, and when I released the handbrake, the rear wheels wouldn't budge at all. Upon inspection, I found that the drum brake cable was stuck, completely rusted—probably due to rainwater seeping in. At the time, I even tried shifting gears back and forth, but the wheels still wouldn't move, so I had to call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. The mechanic said long-term parking in humid environments often causes this and recommended regular maintenance of the braking system with lubricant. Since then, I always dry the brake area before parking and try to avoid parking on muddy or low-lying ground. Additionally, if the wheels suddenly lock up while driving, it could be a bearing or brake caliper failure—you should pull over immediately, safety first. Don't force it, as you might damage more components.
That sounds quite troublesome. My friend went through something similar recently. Her rear wheels locked up after releasing the handbrake, and a quick check revealed it was a cable issue – either the handbrake cable wasn't fully released or had snapped. Common causes include aging cables or dirt buildup around the wheel hub, especially in dusty areas. I reminded her that if the wheels feel abnormal, don't force the car to move; first check if there's any debris stuck or ice formation. Regular brake maintenance is crucial – like inspecting the handbrake system every six months to prevent such incidents. When it happens, you can try gently rocking the car back and forth, but if that doesn't work, contact a professional mechanic immediately. DIY repairs might worsen the situation and compromise driving safety.
From a maintenance perspective, this is usually caused by incomplete handbrake release or seized rear wheel brakes. Common culprits include cable binding, rusted drum brakes, or failed disc brake calipers. In my experience, if it's a new car, it might be an assembly issue; with older vehicles, wear or corrosion is often to blame. I recommend first checking for debris around the wheels, then gently tapping the brakes to see if they loosen. Regularly avoiding long-term parking in damp environments can reduce risks. If this occurs frequently, a thorough brake system inspection is necessary - don't underestimate this issue, as severe cases can lead to dangerous wheel lock-up.
