Sounds like reverse engages but will not reverse?

COLTON FRIGGEN SANCHEZ

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

All other gears work fine besides reverse. It sounds like it engages but won't move. Even in neutral we couldn't push it backwards. Jacked up the back end, driver rear tire would move a lot easier by hand than the passenger side. I know I need rear brake work, but I'm not sure if that's causing the issue.

Sunday, July 6th, 2025 AT 10:40 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
52,272 POSTS

Yes, the brakes can cause an issue of not being able to back up. I would remove the rear wheels and inspect the brakes. Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 10:26 AM

COLTON FRIGGEN SANCHEZ

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3 POSTS

I don't know much about working on cars. My buddy stopped by though and took of both rear wheels. Brake line on the driver side was busted, so he's repairing that tonight. I don't think that has anything to do with the passenger wheel tire locking up while in reverse though, so we've yet to tackle that problem.

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Thursday, July 10th, 2025 AT 9:03 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
52,272 POSTS

It is good you have the rear wheels off, now pull the brake drum to inspect the shoes, you can have a broken return spring or a part of the shoe lining has fallen off and is jammed. Please upload an images when you can of the problem I am interested.

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Friday, July 11th, 2025 AT 11:19 AM

COLTON FRIGGEN SANCHEZ

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3 POSTS

Return spring was busted on driver side. We put the wheels back on this morning. It had no problems in any gear and rode smooth. I'm still hesitant about it though. It was my grandpa's truck, well taken care of, and always kept in the barn, during winter when they would leave for florida.

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Friday, July 11th, 2025 AT 11:44 AM

KEN L