Right rear wheel locks up while driving?

Hi,

As far as it locking, I would first remove the brake drum and inspect the hardware. You may have a broken retainer on one of the shoes that is causing the issue.

Also, is the differential fluid full and clean? If you have an internal failure, there may be evidence in the fluid.

Let me know.

Joe

I drained the diff and inspected everything. The ring and pinion gears were all good, as were the spiders. Fluid wasn't sparkly and the magnet was clean. Scrapped off what I believe was the original paper gasket and RTV'd the cover and refilled. A local guy mentioned the load proportioning valve on the pumpkin might be an issue too?

Hi,

That is good news. If I had the vehicle in front of me, I would likely be checking a few things.

For example, I would Inspect the suspension components. Check for any damaged or worn-out suspension components on the right rear side, including the leaf springs, shocks, and control arms. Look for signs of physical damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Replace any worn or damaged parts as necessary.

Also, examine the brake system. A potential cause of the wheel locking up could be related to the braking system. Inspect the brake drum, shoes, and hardware on the right rear wheel. Look for any signs of excessive wear, contamination, or misalignment. Clean or adjust the brakes as needed, and replace any worn-out components.

You should also check the wheel bearings. Faulty wheel bearings can also cause wheel lock-up issues. Jack up the rear of the vehicle and check for excessive play or noise when you try to move the right rear wheel by hand. If you notice any looseness or grinding sensations, it may indicate worn-out or damaged wheel bearings. In such cases, the bearings should be replaced.

Make sure you don't have a bent axle. Examine the axle shaft for any signs of damage, such as bends or cracks. A damaged axle shaft can lead to irregular wheel movement and lock-up when encountering bumps. If you find any issues with the axle, it may require replacement or professional repair.

Let me know if you have already checked those things.

Take care,

Joe