Why does one rear wheel of a car turn while the other doesn't?
3 Answers
This is a normal phenomenon and is not related to front/rear-wheel drive. The occurrence of this phenomenon is due to the function of the universal joint in the car's drivetrain system. The role of the universal joint is to transfer the remaining power to the other wheel when one wheel encounters resistance. The reasons why one rear wheel suddenly stops turning are as follows: 1. Reason one: In winter, do not pull the handbrake too tightly after washing the car, as this can cause the rear wheels to freeze, resulting in one wheel turning while the other does not. 2. Reason two: Neglecting regular maintenance of the wheel bearings can cause the bearing cage to deteriorate and seize the axle, leading to one wheel turning while the other does not. 3. Reason three: If the rear wheels have drum brakes, there are two brake shoes inside. When the inner brake shoe is severely worn and not replaced in time, it can cause the brake shoe to seize, resulting in one wheel turning while the other does not. 4. Reason four: If the rear wheels have disc brakes, check whether the brake fluid circuit is blocked, causing the caliper to seize the brake disc, resulting in one wheel turning while the other does not.
I've encountered this situation before. It happened by chance after a long drive home. When I gently pressed the accelerator, I noticed one rear wheel turned normally while the other was stuck. This might be related to the differential, which is supposed to allow the tires to rotate flexibly at different speeds. However, if the gears inside are worn or locked, it can cause one wheel to stop working entirely. I don't think this is a minor issue because it affects turning stability and fuel consumption. If you suddenly experience this problem while driving, it's best to visit a repair shop promptly for safety reasons. They can easily test with tools to determine whether the differential itself is faulty, the connected half-shaft is loose, or the brake is stuck. Don't underestimate this issue—delaying repairs can significantly increase maintenance costs.
My car had the same issue the other day—one rear wheel wouldn't budge while the other spun freely, which got me a bit nervous. After all, I just saved up to buy this used commuter car, and I'm worried about facing expensive repairs. The problem could stem from a few common culprits, like a worn-out axle failing to transmit power, or if the brake system is seized, it could lock the wheel in place. I tried putting it in neutral and pushing the car, and sure enough, the stuck wheel had resistance, indicating it's not normal differential behavior. This needs immediate attention—don't wait until it affects driving or causes a blowout. I'd suggest checking the simpler possibilities first, like whether the brake pads are jammed. If that doesn't solve it, take it to a reputable shop for diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expenses.
