I have a 1997 Accord, automatic, that won't start (different issue all together) but I can't even roll it out of the garage. I tried putting it in neutral and pushing, but it seems like the rear wheels are locked up. Any idea why that might be? It's been sitting for about a year and a half and right now we're throwing parts at it to try to get it running; plugs, fuel filter and pump, new battery... But the fact that it won't even roll in neutal seems like a separate issue. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

Rear wheels locked can only be the rear brakes problem.

Handbrake cable rusted so it won't release when you lower the handbrake lever?

Brake pads or caliper slide pins rusted in place, seized, so they don't release?

 

Maybe someone forgot they set the parking brake when they last parked it?? So it wouldn't have anything to do with the shift cable or linkage?

 

You said the REAR wheels were locked up? Can you verify that? Shift cable or linkage might leave the tranny permanently in PARK, but that locks the front wheels.

 

Yeah, it's the rear wheels. We have it jacked up cuz we pulled the fuel tank out and they don't spin...

 

Shift cables, transmission, etc can only lock the front wheels. Locked rear wheels MUST be either the rear brakes or the rear wheel bearings. There's nothing else back there.

 

Cool thanks!! Now if I can just getting it running!!!! We'll know more after we get the fuel pump and tank back together.

 

If there are drums in the back, you will want to get them off and see what's going on in there. Back off the shoe adjusters, whack the drums some with a good-sized hammer, and pull the drums off. You might need to heat the drums to get them off, if they are well-rusted.

If I know I am parking a car for a while, I try to "coast" to a stop w/o using the brakes at all. You'd like those pads/shoes as far from the rotors/drums as possible.