GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: 1995 318i rear wheels locked up

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    3

    Default 1995 318i rear wheels locked up

    Two days ago I reversed my automatic 381i from my garage onto the driveway, then washed off the dust, and thoroughly washed the wheels to remove brake dust. I then drove the car back into the driveway, and went to work..the car sat unused for 24 hours.
    Yesterday, I started the car, put the tranny into reverse, and the car wouldn`t budge an inch...the back end rose up from the pressure against whatever was holding the car still. I tried putting the tranny into Drive, and the same thing happens. I then checked for any engine code...there were none. I turned off the engine, and jacked up the front end...both front wheels turn freely. I jacked up the rear onto jackstands, with both wheels off the garage floor, and the wheels are locked. There is about an eighth inch of rotation either way, until there is a `clunk`sound, but that is it. Removed the wheels and the brake pads are not pushing up against the rotors.
    I had a dealer brake job 2 months ago, replaced rotors, pads and sensors...they also found I needed a spring replaced, but I can`t recall what it was for ( I`ll dig out my invoice when I get home today).
    There is some light rust on the rotors, but nothing that would suggest a seizure.
    Tomorrow I`m going to jack up the rear again, disconnect the driveshaft from the differential, string a rope across the underside of the car so it supports the driveshaft, start the car, put tranny into gear and see if shaft rotates...I am 99% positive the tranny is not the problem...there was no slipping, or noise. This car has never been raced, spun-out, donutted, or abused in any way, just normal day-to-day driving...there has never been any rear end noise at all. I did notice there is a 2-prong electrical connector on the rear of the differential...could mean there is some kind of sensor that may have failed, and is causing the lockup.

    I have come to 4 conclusions:
    1. The differential has failed, but like I said there has never been any suggestion of a problem, and car has never been abused.
    2. I flooded the brakes somehow when washing the wheels, and the emergency brake pads have seized against the back of the rotors.
    3. The replaced spring from the brake job has failed causing a lockup.
    4. The tranny has failed, but I really don`t think so.

    The car was fine one day sitting in the garage, then rear wheels locked up on there own somehow....WTF

    Anyway, I would appreciate any advice before I have the car towed to the dealer...and sorry for the long post.

    Thanks much

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    baton rouge, loserana
    Posts
    6,922

    Default

    somethings probably up with the parking brakes, the assend of the car rising is telling you that power is making it though the diff, the clunk is probably the slack in the parking brake shoes
    all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    3

    Default

    OK, what can I do to release the brakes? spray with brake cleaner, or WD-40?
    I sure don't want this to happen everytime my brakes get wet.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    baton rouge, loserana
    Posts
    6,922

    Default

    i doubt that rust seized them overnight, i can't say whats wrong with them without getting my hands dirty but in 10 years of working on e30s i've yet to see one lock up like that, may be try yanking the hand brake a couple times and see if that gets any reaction out of them, if they are stuck you need to figure out whats holding them, did the cables stick or is it internal to the drum, and theres a good chance it's only one side that's stuck

    Quote Originally Posted by singring
    OK, what can I do to release the brakes? spray with brake cleaner, or WD-40?
    I sure don't want this to happen everytime my brakes get wet.
    all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    3

    Default

    Finally got the wheels moving, and took to dealer to check out...the parking brake cams were seized, so will get them replaced.
    Thanks for everyone's help

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 04-19-2020, 06:17 PM
  2. Rear Diff. LSD Locked up
    By aston_jag_tech in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 12-17-2008, 08:10 PM
  3. How to unlock a stuck double-locked rear door?
    By nuclearfusion in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-07-2006, 09:51 PM
  4. potential warped 1995 318i head
    By bmwtate in forum 3 Series BMW
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-26-2006, 05:58 PM
  5. Locked rear door panel removal, for those of you who have
    By Bill R. in forum Electronics & Lights plus A/C
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-06-2005, 12:20 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •