Description of problem:
This has happened twice now. Today I got in my car (after just having drove it for 30 mins with no problem), started it fine, but as soon as I moved forward it felt as though the emergency brake was on. It was not. I could move forward, but I had to pull over right away as there was clearly some major resistance.
What I tried:
I turned the car off, put it in neutral, and tried to push it with 3 other friends. It wouldn't move an inch (4 big guys unable to push it). I then engaged and disengaged the e-brake many times. Nothing. I started the car again, revved it in neutral no problem, could change gears, but any forward movement was heavily resisted still.
What worked (temporarily): Eventually I tried pumping the brake pedal 3 times while the car was off and in neutral and all of a sudden the vehicle could freely roll in neutral. I turned it on and drove off without any problem.
I've since checked the e-brake and normal brakes and everything seems to be working just fine. This happened once more - again when I first started the car. When I bought the car last year I was told that the left rear wheel bearing would need replacing "somewhat soon", but I've never done that. Aside from the wheel bearing I'm not aware of any previous issues.
Make: Subaru
Model: Forester
Year: 2007
Transmission: Manual