Brakes binding?

DorsetDude

DorsetDude

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Had cause to jack up the car at the weekend (to clean the wheels). anyway I noticed that on the driven wheels, in neutral , handbrake off, I really struggled to be able to spin the wheel by hand. Should it be simple to turn the wheel? Im wondering if the brakes are binding and surely it affects the fuel economy? Once I had the wheel entirely off it was nigh on impossible to turn the wheel trying to use the hub or disc as a "grip"

Cheers.
 
Thats not right. You should be able to spin the wheel relatively easily.
 
The driven ones are never going to be easy to turn. You're trying to spin the diff and some of the gearbox internals as well.
 
the answer is take it for a drive then check the wheels for heat, brakes binding will warm the alloy or steel wheel up and you will feel the difference between each side.
 
You'll hear a gentle grinding noise if the brakes are binding and you turn the wheel by hand. Some resistance is normal (drivetrain internals).
 
If remember correct it or used to be a mot fail for binding brakes. They should turn quite easily even with resistance from the diff. Sounds like the handbrake linkages are not releasing properly, calipers starting to seize or brake cylinders (depending on vehicle) whatever it is they need sorting before they get worse. Might just need a clean and lubricating linkages. Flexi hoses can swell inside too preventing brakes releasing.
 
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Can you jack up both sides at the same time? it will reduce the effect of the diff etc. and the wheels should be a bit easier to turn
 
Suvv said:
Can you jack up both sides at the same time? it will reduce the effect of the diff etc. and the wheels should be a bit easier to turn
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Could give it a go, have a trolley jack. Thanks
 
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