Brakes on one wheel is stuck

[djem]

I have an '90 corolla where one of the back wheels have locked up. I was wondering if any of you knew what could be the problem. I'm suspecting that the problem is hand brake related, but I don't know what could lock up just one wheel like that.

Thanks,

[falnfenix]

it sounds like the brake mechanism has failed...i assume your corolla has drum brakes in the back?

[djem]

I'm guessing it has. Do you think it is easy to fix or is this something that needs special parts?

[diver9000]

Yeah its going to be the normal brake parts. It could have gotten hot or a caliper had some trash in it or in the brake line. You are going to have to open it up to find out whats wrong. If its the emergency brake that is pretty easy to investigate and fix. The e-brake is a simple system to check.

[ghost_ryder35]

i had this happen on my all-trac. the wheel cylinder had locked open pushing the shoes against the drum causing the wheel to not move. it was a bi$ch to get the drum off because the shoes were being pressed against the drum, but once off it took 30 minutes to replace the shoes, springs, and the wheel cylinder. I used a 3 foot crow bar to get my drum off. good luck with yours and let us know how it goes

[djem]

Thanks, I'll see what I'll get done during the weekend. I don't have the time during the week. I'll let you know if it works out.

[diver9000]

Assuming you have drum back brakes, try hitting the drum in varies places to loosen it up. Sometimes the vibration will help to release the tension on the drum from the brake shoes.

[bonnie*]

It Seems Like Malfunctioning Of Sticky (non-returning) Wheel Drum Brake Cylinder.

You May Rebuild It, But, Better Is To Replace With Brand New One.
Do Not Forget To Bleed Brake System After Replacement.

Provide Your Complete Feedback Once Fixed!!!

[djem]

It took some time before the work started, but we managed to get it moving again. It doesn't move freely, but it moves enougth to drive it to a scrapyard or a farm (I don't have the space for it at home).

To get it moving I used a sledgehammer to the drum. Probably not the best method, but I didn't get the drum open anyway.

The problem might be rust related. I've attached a picture so you can see for yourself

Thanks

[Froggmann]

Something happened very similar to my corolla with the PO. Basically it sat for so long one of the brakes rusted itself together. Basically he ended up driving the car back and forth until it freed up.