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Old 01-07-2009, 10:01 AM
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Re: XJ will drive in reverse but not forward!

Quote:
Originally Posted by discnik
I would pull the rear drums and take a look at your rear brakes. See if any of the springs or shoe retaining pins have come loose or broken.
I agree.

Just to clarify: Drum brakes (like the ones on your rear axle) can do this going forward but not backwards because of their design.

Drum brakes have a self-energizing effect. When you apply the brakes, the brake shoes are designed to use some of the rotational energy that is being absobed to press the shoes more firmly into the drums.

In essence, this works like a mechanical brake booster, but only works when moving forward and not reverse.

If your brake retainer springs are weak or broken, the brake shoes fall on the drums and this brake booster effect is essentially applying the brakes without you touching the brake pedal and only when you move forward
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