Problem in Reverse

[Shellman]

Hi, I'm new to these forums and I had a question about my car, a 98 Taurus. A week or so ago, my reversing lights went out. I haven't had time to get this looked at yet, but recently my car has started behaving strangely in reverse. When I put it in reverse and take my foot off the brake, it acts like the parking brake is still on, and won't budge. Easing on the gas, it at first acts like its going nowhere, but then with a loud pop from the rear passenger side, it works perfectly fine. It has also started emitting a loud squeak when I brake from reversing--not from forward, just when I'm in reverse. After an episode like this, I don't have any issues in reverse for a bit (I'm at college, so I don't drive that much, quite often I go several days before I get in my car again), but then the next time I do it reoccurs. I have to make several long trips soon, so I'm hoping to get this worked out.
Thanks in advance for any advice,
-Drew

[wrightz28]

Well, where there's noises, there's problems.

Perhaps something is loose or broken in the assembly on that one wheel, hence the popping and squealing only in reverse. I've seen this before with pad locator clips falling out of place and only affecting one direction of travel. I think once you take the tire off, the problem area and maybe even the source should be easy to find.

[GPFred]

Do you have drum rear brakes? If so, you could have a brake cylinder that is binding up. I would pull apart the brakes on that side and take a look at them. As to the rear lights, it could be a couple of things. I would start with checking the bulbs and connections. Then the fuses for the back-up lights, then the switch that gets thrown when you move the selector into reverse. I don't have my manual with me at the moment, but I would start there. I have a 98 Taurus as well. I would also stop in at a parts store like O'reilly or Advance Auto and look into a Haynes repair manual. It will take you step by step in most repairs. Good Luck.