Rear wheels locking up on the freeway

[idlingmike]

I've searched the forum and can't find any information on my specific situation so input would be deeply appreciated. I have a 94 Talon AWD with basic upgrades (stock turbo, stock clutch). The other day when I was on the freeway and the rear tires locked up out of the blue. I am pretty sure it was only the rear tires because of how controllable the slide was (steering input did not seem to be effected). I am aware of the transfer case issue, but I really do not think the front tires are locking up. The strange thing is after the lock up, it drives perfect around town. No unusual sounds, no hints of locking up, etc. I have not been brave (stupid?) enough to take it on the freeway yet. I took it to a local shop which checked all the fluids including the rear diff and transfer case, all levels seem to be good. The parking brake does not seem to be dragging either. Thanks for reading.

Mike

 

[tim_korn_99]

uhh, let me get this straight... One day you are driving on the freeway, and your rear wheels lock up, causing you to come to a complete stop? And now everything is fine? When did they unlock?
That's just weird. Maybe your car has it out for you..... The only thing i can think of that would cause just the rear end to lock up would be rear differential, but i dont think it would just "unlock" and then be fine again.
Hope you get that figured out.. Doesn't sound too safe.
-Tim

 

[idlingmike]

Yeah, as a matter a fact, that's precisely what happened..... and we're talking slid to a complete stop, put it in gear and its fine again (no waiting). And not only does it drive, but it drives PERFECT, no weird sounds, nothing. I realize how strange this must sound.

 

[rowlex]

I have no idea why your rear wheels would lock, but I believe that because of the vicousious coupler in our center differentials it would allow the rear wheels to lock up and let the front ones continue moving. If everything is fine, I would double triple check your e-brake and rear brake system. Look for transfer case signs of leakage. Good luck and let us know if u figure out why

 

[i jus 8 ur vtec]

this could be a sign of the transfer caser getting ready to go all though mine licked up all 4 wheels and didnt let go foreva so u might wanna check the fluids in ur transfer case also might wanna look into the recall

 

[idlingmike]

Already checked the fluids in the trans, rear diff & xfer case, levels are perfect. I never had a car with a locked anything in regard to driveline parts. When the typical recall BS happens, is it usually seized for good? does not budge?

 

[Maglin]

Wow... that is strange and very unsafe... I think maybe your VC might be blown and your XFer case is probably going out... Did this also stall out the motor??? If the rear wheels locked and the fronts didn't your VC is definitly toasted.... Only things that could have caused that would be your Xfer case or your rear gears... Brakes usually don't lock and then unlock once the car is stopped... I think it would be a good idea to check out your rear gears... could also pull the Xfer case and crack it open to check the condition of it as well...

 

[idlingmike]

"very unsafe" would have to be the understatement of the year (and it's mid December ). I think my only option is to have the rear diff and xfer case cracked open for inspection. Anyone know if they should be able to tell conclusively if either of those are ####ed just by openning up the access panel?


Thanks again for the input everybody.

 

[MNGSX]

It's called a magnetic drainplug. Pull the drain and any carnage will be evident on the plug.

 

[BrokenTsi]

same thing happened to me. Exactly the same way. Got a better transfer case off some kid down the street, no problems since.