I just bought a 1987 Honda Accord, and the front left tire gets stuck while driving. When it is off the ground, the tire spins freely, so it's not the brake calibers or rotors. However, when the car is on the ground, the tire makes a clunking sound, will not spin freely, and frequently gets locked up when trying to move.
Any ideas about what the problem is? I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you much

 

chk all the frt suspension on that side ,make sure that it sits where it is supposed to,, compare it to the other side ,,

just thought of something else,,,,,,,chk the brake hose on that side, make sure that it is properly routed and does not get kinked when car is on the ground ,,,,,,,,
any scraping marks on the inner part of the wheel ??

 

I almost always loose when adding to what desert suggests, so let me say sorry up front. A bad wheel bearing under lateral load can also be something to check.
Can you give more details of what you mean by "when the car is on the ground, the tire makes a clunking sound, will not spin freely, and frequently gets locked up when trying to move"
What exactly are you doing to come to this conclusion.

EDIT: I am not saying this is a game (win, lose), just most if the time desert is "right on" with the first answer.

 

Poorman my friend,, ALWAYS keep your suggestion coming , they are and always be appreciated , :-)

 

Just trying to drive it.
It really acts like the tire is locked up... like the brakes are engaged or something. It'll try to turn when the car is rolling, but is constantly locking up, making a loud clunking sound.
hope that makes sense. Thanks for the replies so far. I'll check it out tomorrow.

 

One more thing while you are checking everything, inspect the CV shaft.
Do you know any history behind the car, I know you just bought it but was it involved in an accident an that side.
And please let us know what you find.

 

Well, it was actually headed to the scrap yard when I picked it up for cheap.
I do not know if it was wrecked or not... the towing guy I bought it from said that the owner said it just started happening for no reason. He immediately stopped driving it and called the towing guy. The body is still straight so it might not be the direct result of an accident.... maybe a delayed result?
Another thing... I'm embarrassed to mention this, but it has almost 340K on it... mostly highway miles.

 

Well, without a little history you just need to get it in the air and check everything out. If you don't have a manual already there is one in the DIY section you can download.