Rear wheels lock up and release randomly?

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.

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 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.

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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 10:16 AM

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?

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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 8:16 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

How does the vehicle drive in reverse? Did you try to spin the rear wheels if so what happened?

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Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 AT 10:12 AM

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.

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Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 AT 2:19 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 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.