2000 XLS won't go in reverse. Feels like the rear is locked up?

[ScAndal]

Forward gear works fine.

When I put it in reverse it feels like it's trying to go in reverse but the tires are locked up?

Any help on where to get started would be appreciated.

I should also note transmission is automatic.

ScAndal

 

[Turdle]

whoa!
Check the front brake caliper mounting brackets-
they bolt to the inside of the spindle and have been known to work loose.

Recent brake work?

 

[ScAndal]

jt,

I'll check the brakes but wouldn't the issue happen in forward if that was the case as well?

New front pads around 3 months ago.

ScAndal

 

[Turdle]

jt,

I'll check the brakes but wouldn't the issue happen in forward if that was the case as well?

New front pads around 3 months ago.

ScAndal

If one bolt had come loose-it will "jam" the wheel in only one direction-
the caliper itself will wedge into the wheel-

I'll bet we are on to something here--

You'll need to look on the inside of the spindle-there should be 2 bolts holding the caliper bracket to the spindle.

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192818&highlight=caliper+bracket+bolts

 

[ScAndal]

OK I checked all four wheels and no bolts loose.

A possible clue: I was able to rotate each tire while I had it lifted on jack except the rear driver side. It wouldn't rotate. Almost like the breaks were engaged still.

Not sure if this is a clue or normal.

What about the emergency break? I tried pulling it and releasing it a few times to see if it was just stuck, but that didn't help.

ScAndal

 

[Turdle]

Well, you are right on track-that was the next step. I think indeed you have a locked up rear drum-

Maybe something is hanging up in the equalizer-adjuster linkage

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fex/full.asp?page=21

But I would bet a broken shoe retaining spring.

 

[ScAndal]

jt,

is the parking break only on the driver side rear? It appears to be?

 

[Turdle]

jt,

is the parking break only on the driver side rear? It appears to be?

No
there is an equalizing lever, and another cable going to the passenger side brake

fyi
the rear disc rotors have a traditional drum type surface inside, with shoes.
this is only for the emergency-park brake.

 

[ScAndal]

OK that makes sense. I'm guessing it's probably the drivers side that is the problem though since I couldn't rotate that tire?

 

[ScAndal]

GOT IT WORKING!

I unhooked my battery in case it was an ABS issue or something like that.

I then removed my rear driver side tire and pounded on the emergency brake latch (just beyond the spring) with a hammer.

It didn't seem to move at all.

I then put the tire back on, hooked up the battery. When I got back in I had to pump the brake pedal a couple of times to get pressure back in it.

Started it up, and reversed no problem.

So i'm still not sure "exactly" what fixed it but it's working.

Thanks again for all your help!

ScAndal

 

[96eb96]

GOT IT WORKING!

I unhooked my battery in case it was an ABS issue or something like that.

I then removed my rear driver side tire and pounded on the emergency brake latch (just beyond the spring) with a hammer.

It didn't seem to move at all.

I then put the tire back on, hooked up the battery. When I got back in I had to pump the brake pedal a couple of times to get pressure back in it.

Started it up, and reversed no problem.

So i'm still not sure "exactly" what fixed it but it's working.

Thanks again for all your help!

ScAndal

I bet you have a ebrake problem. Either the cable is messed up or you have to take off the rotor and see whats going on.