[Fixed] Car won't move - handbrake stuck?

[Joe87]

Hello,

As above, tried to go on a drive last night and the car wouldn't move. Engine started fine, no problem going into gear, but as soon as I tried to reverse out of my drive, the back of the car rose like doing a reverse hill start before taking the handbrake off but wouldn't actually go anywhere.

The car was sat for a couple of weeks. I assume the brake shoes must be stuck, or something has seized inside the drum. I've tried moving forwards and backwards, and tried rocking it. Even tried kicking the wheels... I have no tools where I am so taking the wheels off would have to be done with the widow-maker - not a massive problem but not ideal. I was just hoping for some suggestions before I do all of that.

Anyone had this problem before?

[wasted]

Certainly sounds like the brakes are seized. Do you have any way to tow it? That can sometimes make them unstick. Failing that, try jacking up each corner and see if the wheel will turn (with the handbrake off!). Should allow you to determine which wheel is causing the problem.

[Joe87]

Thanks mate, I actually sorted it out. Jacked it up and the rear right wheel was seized so I took it off, gave the drum a few whacks with a hammer and it freed up.

Amazing how many things can be sorted by hitting them with a hammer.

[mark1gls]

If you do leave the car for a couple of weeks always worth leaving it in 1st gear and the handbrake off, this only works if you don't live on a big hill!

[Joe87]

Yeah never had a problem before but definitely a good suggestion mate!