HELP! Troubleshooting wheel lock up

[Kramer01]

My 1997 Pathfinder has an issue with the front driver's side wheel locking up. Since I initially thought this was a brake issue, because the "lock up" occurred when I applied the brakes, I replaced the caliper slide pins, then the caliper itself. However, the wheel still seems to be locked up. It moves in reverse with no binding, but it wants to "lock" up when attempting to drive forward. Could this potentially a CV joint/axle shaft problem? Thanks!

 

 

[Kingman]

It could be. Although one thing to try is pinch off that brake hose while the wheel is free and apply the brakes, see what it does. If it still locks up its not a brake issue. Brake hoses can collapse and not allow the caliper to release.

[Precise1]

It could definitely be a CV issue since you have drive flanges (CVs are always turning when the wheels are). Were there any symptoms/noises before this happened?

I'd jack up that corner and spin the wheel by hand to hear/feel/look what it is doing.

 

B

[Terranovation]

Is it making a clicking or clacking noise when you turn right? If so then yeah it's cv joint. Also check the rubber boots, both inner (near the engine sides) and outer boots for tears, cracks. If you see any grease flung around down there near the boots then it's definitely time to either get a new boot kit and regrease the cv, have the cv joint dissembled, checked for wear and if it's ok then regrease and reinstall. If it's totally stuffed then it's new cv joints. Get it checked first before just buying new cvs because you might be able to save money by just getting it checked for wear.