Front drivers tire locking up in reverse?

So I’m having a problem with my front drivers side tire. So I just went 4x4ing on the sand and got back to my house. When I was reversing into my drive way my front right drivers side tire was locking up and not spinning at all when I was reversing. At first I thought it was my wheel bearing failing again (I replaced my wheel bearings 6k miles ago) but I realized it sounds and feels perfectly fine. I also thought it could be my brake caliper seizing up but I’m not too sure. Does anyone know what this possibly could be? Please let me know! @Dm93

 

if you suspend the front wheels off the ground, and try to spin the wheels by hand- what do you get?

 

It’ll spin freely.

 

was it in 2wd or 4wd when it locked up? Are you sure, did you test it?

 

I’m sure it was in 2by. Unless a bump on the road knocked it into 4by but I’m sure I put it into 2by

 

can you replicate the issue?

 

Currently no haha. I was changing my break pads and one of the caliper pistons popped out and spilled break fluid so I need to rebleed breaks then I will repeat it

 

yeah, Is it still currently acting up....

 

Thanks — that’s a big clue. If the front driver-side wheel locks up in reverse while in 2WD, then the front drivetrain shouldn't even be engaged, which narrows the possibilities.

✅ That Tells Us:

• It's not likely the front differential or transfer case, since in 2WD, the front axle should be disengaged.
  
  
• A bad CV joint or hub could still cause binding even in 2WD, because they still rotate with the wheel.
  
  
• It's not a 4WD engagement issue unless your truck is stuck in 4WD due to a mechanical or vacuum actuator failure — we’ll double-check that.
  

Next Diagnostic Steps:
1. Check for Accidental 4WD Engagement (Manual Check)

• Lift both front wheels off the ground.
  
  
• Put the truck in neutral, ignition off, in 2WD mode.
  
  
• Try spinning one front wheel:
  
  • In 2WD, one wheel should spin freely without the other turning.
    
    
  • If the other wheel moves in the opposite direction, that suggests the front differential is still engaged, meaning it might be stuck in 4WD.
    

If it's stuck in 4WD, the vacuum actuator on the front axle may have failed (common in older Tacomas). That would cause binding or lockup when reversing.

2. Inspect the CV Axle Again

• With the wheel off, rotate the hub or CV axle in reverse by hand.
  
  
• Listen and feel for:
  
  • Crunching
    
    
  • Clicking
    
    
  • Binding
    
• Pay attention if the CV joint feels tight or doesn't allow full movement — it could bind more in reverse than forward.
  

3. Re-check the Brake and Hub
Since it’s only happening in reverse, it could still be:

• A partially seized caliper only jamming when torque changes direction.
  
  
• A wheel bearing or hub that binds under reverse load.
  

With the caliper removed:

• Spin the rotor both directions.
  
  
• Any reverse-only resistance? That’s a huge sign of a mechanical issue in the hub or CV joint.
  

Summary of What to Focus on Now:

• ✔ Confirm if front axle spins freely in 2WD (to rule out 4WD engagement).
  
  
• ✔ Inspect CV joint for reverse-only binding.
  
  
• ✔ Re-check the hub/bearing for tightness or heat.
  
  
• ✔ Confirm caliper isn't dragging only in reverse.
  

 

Yeah

 

Did you happen to try & spin the front hub assy, when you had the brake caliper off, both directions........

 

Yes both sides spins freely

 

but still acting up?

 

Yep

 

Situations like this im a hands on guy.
But if youre saying it still locks up in reverse, but you can turn the faulty wheel both directions by hand......
In 2 wheel drive, kinda makes no sense....

 

I know it sounds so weird I’ve never had this problem too but I promise this is what is happening

 

Tried turning the wheel by hand both forward & reverse after re-installing the brake caliper?
Maybe its stuck in 4x & you have some issue related to it....
still doesnt make sense since you state, by hand you can rotate the wheel

 

No not yet gonna rebleed breaks right now. Then try

 

how come you messing with brake pads when the wheels are locking up. Did you suspect ceasing/binding brakes/calipers?

 

Break pads were shot so I just ended up changing them