URGENT! Rear car brakes frozen at one side - Is there anything I can do?

Mics_chick

Hi
I know this isn't usual techie stuff but I just wondered if there were any peeps who know something about cars?

Would be most grateful for any help
Cheers Gail

Lirin

Just start your car and leave it a few minutes. Then test them before you drive.

Minxy_Bella

Whatever you do, don't force your car to move! I did this last year and the brakes ripped off. It cost me £250 for the repairs! Seriously, just leave your car and find some other way to go where you're going.

Browntoa

if frozen as in "ice" then some slightly warm water poured over the offending area (not hot !!!!! may cause warping !!)

spakkker

Pour a boiled kettle of water over the hub first.
Then just put the car into forward then reverse gears repeatedly and give it a bit of "biting point" each time.You could also tap the frozen hub with a hammer but be careful not to mark it, preferably by a helper while trying it in the gears.
It may be frozen - or seized if it's been left stood for a while.

edit: must type faster!

googler

If 'frozen' with ice, etc - get a long extension lead, a hairdrier, and use hot air to melt it.

If locked up due to mechanical problem such as a seized calliper, call your usual mechanic, or the AA.

JasX

In Azerbaijan a few years back I recall the standard fix was to light a fire under your car and warm it up that way.....

....but they stopped doing that more recently as old soviet Lada models started giving way to modern cars with plactic fuel lines and there were a few unfortunate 'incidents'

hubert_cumberdale

as long as it is frozen and not leaking fluid on the drums/shoes

if you have alloys you can sometimes get a bar through the wheel and tap the drum like someone said before. unless its discs but hot water shoud be fine.

Hammyman

Hit the wheel with a hammer.

ChiefGrasscutter

The old std way for jammed on brakes as always been to use forward/reverse gears with just a little bit of clutch/drive applied to alternate forward/back pressure on the system to release them: but it must be done gently.....

I've done this successfully several times on trailers (drum brakes) which have been left stationary for a long time with the brakes left on (bad move). Mind you I have failed on occasions and had to dismantle the drum/brake assy to release the units - which was not ideal when you are in a hurry.

castle96

brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs water). Expands/forces calipers/shoes, out. Has happened to me. Could it be this ? Brake fluid should be changed every 2 ? yrs, but who ever does !