Handbrake Locked on Rear Wheel – What’s the Reason and How to Fix

Have you ever experienced a moment of panic when you release the handbrake only to find that the rear wheel is still locked? Or imagine being in a hurry to get to an important arrangement, only to find that your handbrake is stuck, and you can't move your car. This can be a frustrating and dangerous situation, especially if you're driving on a hill or in heavy traffic.

Parking brake problems highlights

• Level of urgency:medium
• DIY diagnostics:possible but complicated
• DIY repairs:impossible
• Price for repair:$100 - $450
• Common symptoms:locked wheels, car rolling
• Commonreasons:EPB problems, rear pads issues, parking brake system problems
• If ignored:no parking brake, rolling back, dangerous situations

"Handbrake locked on the rear wheel" Explained

When the handbrake becomes locked on the rear wheel of a car, it means that the brake pads have become jammed against the rotor or drum of the wheel. When this happens, it can cause the wheel to become locked, preventing the car from moving and making it difficult to drive.

If you are driving and you suddenly notice that your handbrake is locked on the rear wheel, the first thing to do is to try and release it. You can do this by slowly applying pressure to the handbrake lever and attempting to disengage the brake. If this doesn't work, you should try to move the car forward or backward slightly to see if this will release the handbrake.

If the handbrake is still locked on the rear wheel, it might be time to seek professional help. 

Driving with a locked handbrake can cause serious damage to the car's braking system and put you and other drivers at risk. We'll now look at a few reasons why your emergency brake might be stuck so you can know where to begin when fixing it. 

What Causes the Handbrake to Lock on the Rear Wheel?

The handbrake, also known as the emergency or parking brake, provides a secondary means of stopping the car in case of a crisis, such as a brake failure. So when it fails to disengage and the rear wheels lock up, this can be frustrating and dangerous. 

Here are some of the reasons why the handbrake locks on the rear wheel:

1) Malfunctioning brake cable

The cable connects the handbrake lever to the rear wheels, and when you pull the lever, it engages the brakes. Over time, the cable can become worn or corroded, making it difficult for the brakes to release fully. This can cause the handbrake to stick, resulting in the rear wheels locking up.

2) Extreme weather conditions

For instance, if the car is left parked in freezing temperatures, the brake components may freeze and become difficult to release. This is more common in older vehicles that lack proper rust protection and insulation. Additionally, excessive heat can cause the handbrake to seize, resulting in a locked wheel.

3) Faulty caliper or brake pads 

The caliper applies and releases the brake pads on the rear wheel. If it's damaged or worn, it could get stuck in the engaged position and not release the brake pads fully. Similarly, if the brake pads are worn or damaged, they could get stuck on the rotor and not release.

4) Faulty ABS sensor or brake fluid leak

In some cases, a faulty ABS (anti-lock brake system) sensor or a brake fluid leak can cause the rear wheel to lock up. The ABS sensor measures the speed of the wheels and helps to prevent them from locking up during sudden stops. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the brakes to engage unexpectedly. A brake fluid leak can cause a loss of pressure in the brake system, which can also cause the rear wheel to lock up.

5) Driver error

Finally, sometimes the handbrake locks on the rear wheel due to human error. For example, if you pull the handbrake too hard or too quickly, it could get stuck in the engaged position. Similarly, if you forget to release the handbrake fully, it could remain engaged and lock the rear wheel.

How to Fix Handbrake Getting Stuck

Not only can a stuck handbrake prevent you from driving your car, but it can also cause damage to your brakes if left unresolved. However, fixing this issue is not as complicated as you might think. 

Here are the steps to fix a handbrake that's locking on the rear wheel:

Step 1: Identify the problem

Before you can fix the handbrake, you need to determine the root cause of the problem. This could be a seized handbrake cable, a faulty brake caliper, worn brake pads or rotors, or a malfunctioning handbrake lever or mechanism. Inspect the brake system thoroughly to determine what's causing the handbrake to lock on the rear wheel.

Step 2: Release the handbrake

If the handbrake is locked on the rear wheel, you'll need to release it before you can work on the brake system. To do this, jack up the car and remove the rear wheels. Locate the handbrake cable and use pliers or a wrench to loosen the cable tension until the handbrake is released.

Step 3: Replace or repair damaged components

Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need to replace or repair damaged components. This could include replacing the handbrake cable, fixing a faulty brake caliper, or replacing worn brake pads or rotors. If the handbrake mechanism is malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a qualified mechanic.

Step 4: Adjust the handbrake cable tension

Once you've repaired the damaged components, you'll need to adjust the handbrake cable tension to ensure it's not too loose or too tight. You can do this using an adjusting nut on the handbrake cable, which should be tightened or loosened until the desired tension is achieved.

Step 5: Test the handbrake

After you've fixed the handbrake and adjusted the cable tension, test the handbrake to ensure it's working properly. Do this by engaging and releasing the handbrake several times and testing the car on a flat surface or a hill to make sure it doesn't roll back or lock up.

Preventing your Handbrake from Locking on the Rear Wheel

A handbrake that locks on the rear wheel can be frustrating and even dangerous, as it could cause the brakes to wear out quickly, or worse, lead to a loss of control while driving. 

So, how can you prevent the handbrake from locking on the rear wheel? Here are some tips to follow:

• Use the handbrake regularly

One of the most common reasons for a handbrake to lock on the rear wheel is lack of use. If you only use the handbrake occasionally or rely on the transmission to hold the car in place, the handbrake cable and mechanism could get stuck, corroded, or rusted. To prevent this, make sure to engage the handbrake every time you park your car, even on flat ground. This will keep the cable and caliper lubricated and functioning correctly.

• Release the handbrake fully

Sometimes, the handbrake lever might not return to its original position, or the cable might get stuck, causing the brake pads to drag on the rotor or drum. To prevent this, always make sure to pull the handbrake lever up and release it fully before driving.

• Check the handbrake cable and mechanism

The handbrake cable and caliper mechanism could wear out, get stretched, or be misaligned over time, causing the handbrake to fail or lock on the rear wheel. To prevent this, you should inspect the handbrake cable and mechanism regularly

• Avoid parking on steep slopes

If you have to park on a hill or slope, it's best to turn the wheels towards the curb or use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling. This will reduce the strain on the handbrake and prevent it from locking on the rear wheel.

• Engage the handbrake gently

When you engage the handbrake, do it gently and gradually, instead of yanking it all the way up. This helps prevent the cable or mechanism from getting stuck or damaged.

Conclusion

A handbrake that locks on the rear wheel can be a frustrating and dangerous problem, but with the right steps, it can be fixed. By trying out the solutions provided here, you can ensure that your brake system works properly and keeps you safe while driving. 

Remember to maintain your car's brake system regularly and seek the help of a qualified mechanic if you're unsure about how to fix the problem. Driving with a locked handbrake can cause accidents and damage to your vehicle, so take this problem seriously and fix it as soon as possible. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a smooth and safe driving experience without any handbrake issues.