Refusing to reverse

[mattmooey]

Hi all

I hoping someone will be able to advise on my reversing problem. I've searched the forum for the same issue but all I've seen are slightly different to what I'm experiencing.

I have a 1996 auto which will engage reverse but when I let go the brake and use the trottle refuses to actually go backwards. It's as though something is stopping it. It feels like its trying to go but wont.

I've checked the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and it's very full and very clean. All other gears seem ok. I seem to recall that there is a bit of a judder (or sound of 'taking up slack' when pulling away from being in reverse or vice versa - reversing from going forward :/ )

The only other thing that I've noticed yesterday morning (when attempting to get to Exmoor) was the sound of worn, front brakes. It sounded like the pads had worn right through to the metal - havent checked this yet (due to the torrential rain right now) - but it's just come back from the garage who'd sorted some other, unrelating issues out.

Sorry to go on :/ Any help/advice/opinion would be appreciated.

Matt M

[briwy]

Does it try to set off in reverse and then stop or won't it go at all? Has it started since it's trip to the garage.

If you have heard some metallic noise from the brakes you need to get this checked out straight away.
I had similar symptoms years ago on a rally car and found that one of the discs had cracked, the way the crack lay let it go forwards but the pads jammed in reverse.

I can't remember what the handbrake shoes are like on the Bongo (only had it to bits once) but on some vehicles it is critical that the shoes are on the correct way or they will jam.

[mattmooey]

Crikey briwy, that really makes sense.

The front brakes are making a hell of a racket - i put this down to bearings as theyve been getting noisey.

The van has been driving fine since being at the garage but now does budge a little in reverse but really doesnt move more than an inch. I did force it (in reverse) last thing yesterday and it did move backwards.

i will get underneath tomorrow when this rain is supposed to have cleared.

Thanks a lot for your response!!

Matt

[mikeWalsall]

I have an Omega 2.5TD with similar rear brakes to the Bongo ..ie:- main discs with a built in drum for hand brake shoes ..

I had to move it recently .. even though it has been left standing untouched for eight years it started instantly ...it drove great .. but ... when I came to reverse it and it would not have it .. checked to find the hand brake shoes have parted company with the steel part and where jamming up in there drums when reversing !!

[mattmooey]

Thanks Mike.

(I could do without it but...) cant wait to take a look tomorrow.

Matt