Rear wheels lock up and release randomly?

Tiny
TENDER_LOINCOIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 298,000 MILES
The rear driver side wheel will lock up about every three meters. I do not touch the brake. It will slowly lock up the wheel then it will release, and repeat. I have no idea what could be causing this problem. I have replaced both rear calipers and bled all four brakes.
Sunday, November 6th, 2022 AT 2:19 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
It sounds like the differential is bad but to be sure let's jack up the rear of the car and spin the rear wheels, if when you rotate the wheels, they both turn in the same direction and the drive shaft turns as well, you have found the problem and the rear end needs to be replace/rebuilt.

Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please go over this guide and report back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
TENDER_LOINCOIN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello! Thank you, I did some further experimenting and I have figured out, it drives great in first gear but when it shifts to second gear is when it locks up. It there a way to fix this?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
How does the vehicle drive in reverse? Did you try to spin the rear wheels if so what happened?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
TENDER_LOINCOIN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The rear wheels spin freely It drives fine in reverse It has enough transmission fluid Though the transmission fluid is a little burnt.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
I think you have a second gear planetary that has blown up inside the transmission, which is the only this that can stop the differential from turning. I would remove the transmission and have it rebuilt.

Here is a video to help you:

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 AT 11:19 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Brake Lock Up Content

Brakes Lock Up
GUIDE
Brakes Lock Up
An automobile brake system lock up is dangerous and inconvenient. The normal operation of a brake system is to be applied and then to release fully, in this guide we will...
VIEW MORE