strange problem - feels like E-brake is on in reverse only

[rhauf]

so on my (recently aquired) '90 explorer 4x4 w/ a 4.0/auto, it drives normal going forward, but when in reverse, it feels like the e-brake is on, well it had been sitting for a year or so before i got it so i thought maybe the rear brakes were sticking or something, so i jacked it up and both wheels spin freely either direction. but when i put it in reverse (even on the jack stands) the wheels dont want to turn unless you give it gas.. a lot of drag definitely not normal. has anyone else had a problem like this or similar? i cant think of what the heck it could be (could it be something with the transmission?)

Any input helps. thanks

 

[KobeJ05]

so on my (recently aquired) '90 explorer 4x4 w/ a 4.0/auto, it drives normal going forward, but when in reverse, it feels like the e-brake is on, well it had been sitting for a year or so before i got it so i thought maybe the rear brakes were sticking or something, so i jacked it up and both wheels spin freely either direction. but when i put it in reverse (even on the jack stands) the wheels dont want to turn unless you give it gas.. a lot of drag definitely not normal. has anyone else had a problem like this or similar? i cant think of what the heck it could be (could it be something with the transmission?)

Any input helps. thanks

take your drums off on the rear and spray brake cleaner a new times

 

[rhauf]

take your drums off on the rear and spray brake cleaner a new times

Even with the drums off, and the rear end on stands, it does the same thing. it's forward of the axle.

 

[Tony H]

I would have guessed for sure it was the drum brakes. I had this happen to other cars wher , in reverse, the brake shoes shift and lock up. In my case it was that one of the Pins holding teh shoes on was broken so it would cause teh shoes to lift a bit and bind on the Drum.

 

[rhauf]

I would have guessed for sure it was the drum brakes. I had this happen to other cars wher , in reverse, the brake shoes shift and lock up. In my case it was that one of the Pins holding the shoes on was broken so it would cause the shoes to lift a bit and bind on the Drum.

That was my initial assumption as well. which is why it is so strange.

nobody else has any ideas?

 

[Tony H]

You stated that; up on Stands with the drums off you can freely turn the axles. OK now try it the same way BUT have someone hold one axle still as you turn the other one. see if you get the bind feeling. do it with the Driveshaft in and then take it off.
I can't imagine what this problem is unless its a Trani issue. With the driveshaft out, and in reverse do you need to gas it a bit to get the Tailshaft to spin?

 

[rhauf]

You stated that; up on Stands with the drums off you can freely turn the axles. OK now try it the same way BUT have someone hold one axle still as you turn the other one. see if you get the bind feeling. do it with the Driveshaft in and then take it off.
I can't imagine what this problem is unless its a Trani issue. With the driveshaft out, and in reverse do you need to gas it a bit to get the Tailshaft to spin?

I'll try that after work tomorrow (if the old ball and chain doesn't want me to spend time with her) i'll let you know what i find out! at least it'll determine weather it's in the axle or trans.

 

[Tony H]

I'll try that after work tomorrow (if the old ball and chain doesn't want me to spend time with her) i'll let you know what i find out! at least it'll determine weather it's in the axle or trans.

If she wants to spend time with you, There's nothing like "bonding" while working on the car together. : )
I bet that wont fly with her

 

[rhauf]

If she wants to spend time with you, There's nothing like "bonding" while working on the car together. : )
I bet that wont fly with her

That used to work.. then she'd start getting bored, uncomfortable, thirsty, hungry, need to use bathroom, or some other excuse and we'd have to leave (my workspace is in a barn not my garage)

 

[doonze]

need to use bathroom,

I got mine bush broke! And she's proud of it too. At least I don't have to deal with that!

Course she gets bored easy, but if I can get her interested she's very helpful, not afraid of getting dirty. And not too bad with a wrench.

But she rolls her eyes whenever I say I'm working on the truck. Someone needs to explain to me why women get jealous of vehicles???!!?! I have to do my "work" when she's at work.... or when I can convince her the truck is going to blow up very, very SOON unless I get this stereo install figured out ASAP!!! LOL

Course after my first marriage (and most of my Trans Am build) I've always sworn

"Young men have cars to get WITH women, old men have cars to get AWAY from 'em!!!!"

 

[Shaggy433]

Mine did the same thing the other day when I was testing out my 4x4 before winter. When I was backing up to unlock the hubs it felt like the E-brake was on. after the hubs unlocked it was fine..I don't think that this really helps but maybe it will give someone an idea of something to check.

 

[Shen2187]

Mine did the same thing the other day when I was testing out my 4x4 before winter. When I was backing up to unlock the hubs it felt like the E-brake was on. after the hubs unlocked it was fine..I don't think that this really helps but maybe it will give someone an idea of something to check.

Yep mine does the same... i think that is his issue as well. The front axle produces a LOT of resistance when the front hubs are engaged. And since they are auto locking hubs, they will engage/disengage at almost any time whether in 4x4 or not.