2000 Dodge Neon Rear tire locks up after rain

Brake linings contain metallic particles to help dissipate heat. That metal is rusting to the brake drums. If this occurs after driving through puddles, there could be a rubber plug missing from the inspection holes in the backing plates. If it rains while the car sits undriven for many days, the humidity could cause the rust. More commonly, that will cause the wheel to lock up easily when you apply the brakes for the first time of the day, but they will release without problem.

A less common cause of easy lockup is weak shoe return springs. Most do-it-yourselfers just replace shoes when performing a brake job, but professionals usually will replace the springs and other hardware too.

Locking up solidly suggests one of the shoes is too close to the drum. The most common cause is a sticking parking brake cable that doesn't fully release. Next time this happens, try flexing the cable / casing assembly just in front of the wheel. If the brake releases, the cable should be replaced.

Caradiodoc

Hey KSTEELE26,

Try hitting reverse to see if you can get the wheels to break loose.

Here is something to look at so you can see whats going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/parking-brake-shoe-replacement

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken

Check brakes and rear wheel bearing, caliper or parking brake may be doing it or a bad wheel bearing.

Its locked-up you need to go behind the backing plate and go thru the inspection hole to contract the brake adjuster-you best bet is to remove the drum and inspect it-

The metallic brake linings have rusted to the brake drum from humidity in the air. You'll have to just keep working it back and forth until it releases. Pump the brake pedal while trying to move slowly on blacktop or concrete, not on dirt or gravel.

Check wheel bearing or brakes for being frozen

WOW!

LOOKY HERE!

SAME WHEEL!

OUR SPARE CAR IS A '95

IF THESE ARE GLUED ON LININGS

MAYBE ONE OF THE LININGS COME UNGLUED

NOW IT'S WEDGED IN THE ASSEMBLY SOMEHOW

SEE THE PICS OF OUR SPARE CAR (DODGE NEON)

I JUMPED IN TO GO, AND IT WAS DRAGGING A TIRE

SEE MY LINING?

THE MEDIC

PARK IT!

MAKE IT YOUR SPARE CAR!

GET TWO RELIABLE VEHICLES LIKE MY TWO DAILY DRIVERS

THEY LAST FOREVER!

1977 AND 1946

I LOOKED FOR "RIVETED" LININGS FOR 'LIL RED, I COULD NOT FIND ANY, SO I HAD TO GO BACK WITH THE GLUED ON ONES. MAYBE YOU CAN FIND SOME FOR YOUR RIG

THE MEDIC

Drive it a few blocks but preferably not on the highway. Be sure the parking brake is fully released. Typically a rear drum brake will drag due to a rusted / sticking parking brake cable. You can try flexing the cables where they go into the back side of the wheels. If one snaps free allowing the wheel to turn freely, that cable should be replaced. Lubricating them is never a permanent solution.

Caradiodoc

If the wheel is still locked up after the brake was released, the cable is sticking and should be replaced. Often flexing the casing in front of the wheel will release a sticking cable.

Caradiodoc

Brakes
remove tires and check brakes and E brakes