Help! My explorer got stuck!

[freak]

...on dry land.

2000 XLS 4x4 4.0 OHV 5sp 175K no rebuilds.

I was 750 miles from home on vacation. I pulled into a kmart parking space. When I went to leave it felt as if the parking brake was stuck on. It wasn't and the cables are pretty new btw. This is when I was turning and backing out of the parking space. It felt as if the brakes were still on and I slowly drove around the corner and pulled into another parking lot. I got out and with it in neutral tried to push it. No luck. So I sent everyone inside a store while I looked at it. I couldn't get it loose no matter what and then I turned the steering wheel all the way from one side to the other. Then it was free! So happy I was, that I walked in to get everyone and then I saw my exp rolling towards the street of extremely busy traffic. I ran back and saved it! Anyway, I cannot figure out what happened and it has not happened again in two weeks. Any ideas?

 

[Rick]

Maybe the auto 4x4 got stuck in 4x4?? That would account for a lot of extra drag while turning on pavement

Had you set your parking brake prior to this happening?? Maybe you need new release springs in your parking brake setup??

 

[freak]

Maybe the auto 4x4 got stuck in 4x4?? That would account for a lot of extra drag while turning on pavement

Maybe, but... 1. Why would it have come on in the first place? 2. It seemed to drag even while going straight. 3. I tried to push it while the wheels were straight.

Had you set your parking brake prior to this happening?? Maybe you need new release springs in your parking brake setup??

Yes I set the brake. God forbid those springs need replaced. Have you ever done a parking brake job on an explorer? You have to pull the axles unless you are really in for a fight.

 

[Rick]

Those are the only two things I could think of.

I would bet it's the brake though. Given that you have a 5 speed and presumably set the brake all the time, there could be a problem in there.

Could even be a leaky axle seal getting the brake dust all gunked up which could cause the shoes to stick. I've seen big messes once a drum or rotor is pulled. Often it's not enough of a leak to drip, but just enough to seep and collect dust and debris. Just speculating though. Obviously can't tell you too much without getting into it.

 

[skoal_mint]

check to see if one of your front brake lines are pinched causing your brake to stay on