98 Grand Caravan Sport - rear wheel seized

[pvscott]

This evening after taking my van to the car wash, my right rear wheel seized. No warning, or noise before this. It definitely won't budge, except a very slight roll (couple if inches) in reverse. The brakes seem fine. Any ideas??

[GTP Dad]

Sounds like the real wheel bearing seized up and will need to be replaced. Check the emergency brake but my money is on the wheel bearing.

[pvscott]

Thanks for your help on this! Would a wheel bearing make noise before seizing up? This problem had no signs in advance, either noise or performance. Made me think of something electronic (especially after a car wash). Not sure if ABS can also lock a single wheel?

[arobinso]

The answer may be easier and cheaper than a wheel bearing job. Since you said you went to a car wash, perhaps that rear brake got wet and has seized on? I once dipped our 99 Grand Voyageur too far in the lake to launch the boat. I barely put the rear tires in the lake (nowhere near the drums) but a wave must have splashed onto/into the drum. I drove about 1/4 mile and parked it. The semi-metalic pads rusted in place on the drum and the right rear wheel was locked solid. It would rock an inch or two each way as the shoes shifted on the backing plate but wouldn't break free. Had to jack it up, back off the adjuster and bang the drum with a block of wood (careful, cast iron can shatter). Once free, I pulled the drum to check and all was OK, just a bit of rust. Put it back, adjusted the self-adjuster and a few stops later the rust was gone. Hasn't recurred. Wheel bearings usually make a nasty shreiking/grinding sound when dying (had an 85 Chevy pickup that made that nasty sound when one front outside roller cage broke but didn't seize). The ABS releases brake pressure to the affected wheel when the sensor reports wheel lockup (while the vehicle is moving) so it can't cause a seized wheel.

[pvscott]

You hit it exactly right Arobinso! It seems the combination of the car wash, putting on the hand brake and letting it sit for a couple of hours caused the brake pads to "rust" the drum. All fixed now. THANKS for your help!