Rear wheels intermittently locking up

Tiny
MRBROWNY_ATM
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
I first noticed the problem when I was coming to a stop at a stop sign. Right before my truck came to a complete stop there was a very violent shudder (like going to fast over a cattle guard). It was brief, and when I accelerated from the stop, everything was okay. The problem persisted, but intermittently. It didn't happen at every stop, and interestingly, it only happens when coming to a slow stop (like riding the brakes to a stop). It does not happen when coming to a more forceful, abrupt stop. It also does not happen at any other time when braking. The problem worsened by the fact that after shuddering to a stop, my truck wouldn't move forward after letting off the brake. It seems like the brakes are stuck (if it is the brakes). When stepping on the gas to accelerate, it feels like the brakes are stuck, and it takes more gas pedal to move forward. Perhaps important, the brake pedal does not get hard when the sticking occurs; it moves normally. What's even worse is that when I give it gas, the truck violently shudders (like it does when coming to a stop). So, I try not to give it gas when it happens. Eventually, whatever is sticking becomes un-stuck (on its own), and everything is back to normal. Sometimes it takes a while for it to become un-stuck. Again, I want to mention that it doesn't do this consistently; however, it does do it most of the time only when coming to a slow stop or riding the brakes to a stop (like in a drive-thru line). The problem does not happen when going in reverse. Initially, I assumed it was the front brakes. Honestly, when the truck started shuddering, it wasn't obvious that it was the front or rear (it is a bad shudder). I replaced the front pads, rotors, calipers, and thoroughly bled them. Of note, the brake fluid looked awful. I did a test drive, and unfortunately, still have the problem. When pulling back into the driveway the shuddering and locking occurred, and my dad was standing next to my truck. Based on what he saw and heard, it is coming from the rear. As a matter of fact, at that instance, the rear wheels locked to the point where they dragged to a stop. It appears to be occurring at both wheels, as there is no pulling to one side. Of note, after working on the fronts, the problem seems to be happening less frequently. I'm not sure if that means anything or not, and maybe i'm just kidding myself because now I only drive it when troubleshooting. Also, the brake pedal has a lot more travel in it now to stop. My dad and I thoroughly bled the fronts, so I do not think there is any air in the line. Sorry for the lengthy post, but I feel like this a unique problem (maybe?) Because of the shuddering, and it is on both rear wheels. I have spent many nights scouring the internet to find some help with this problem, and unable to find anything similar, I finally decided to try a post. What I'm trying to avoid is replacing every component of my brake system, and that possibly not even fixing the problem, because it might not even be brake related. Thanks for reading, and any suggestions or help is much appreciated.
Thursday, March 10th, 2022 AT 11:26 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like there is an issue with one of the brake shoes or pads. Can you tell me if this has rear disc brakes or rear drum brakes? Both were offered.

I attached two pics below. The first one is a drum set up and pic 2 is a disc bake pic. Take a look and let me know what the design is on the vehicle.

Next, I need you to check the brake fluid level to make sure it isn't low. If it is, then look under the rear of the vehicle and check if there is evidence of a leak at either rear wheel.

Also, if you haven't, you may want to check the fluid level in the differential to make sure it isn't low or appear contaminated. My one concern is the idea that both rear wheels locked. However, if it was internal to the differential, I feel it wouldn't change or it would make a noise.

Let me know as much as you can.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
ELIZABETH LUCAS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 z71 4*4 and when my rear wheels locked up my I was turning around on a dirt road and I noticed my message center was saying something about my parking assist and then it said parking assist off when I corrected itself. It happened after I started driving in 2wd going up hill pulling my husband on his 4 wheeler so he could ride start his atv. I spun tires twice because grass was wet. When he got going, I got out to untie him and got back in truck and went to turn around at the next street and that is when it happened. Btw I was still in 2wd.
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 5:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

That is an interesting one. I would be happy to help, but I have a favor to ask. Could you copy and paste your question to a new link? We try to keep the year, make, model, and problem specific to one type of vehicle. Since your truck is a 2007, we need to start a new thread.

Here is a link to start a new one. Just copy and paste your questions and someone will be happy to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I hope you understand.

Take care,

joe
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 6:57 PM

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