Problem: any time I am backing up, when I touch the brakes even gently, it feels and sounds like something is binding up or dragging. It feels like the truck is stumbling and about to fall apart. Sometimes it even jerks around the steering wheel a bit. This is not accompanied by scraping or grating, but can best described as a sensation of stuff binding or dragging and the ride gets really bumpy. I can hear thunks but it is really more felt than heard. This only happens in reverse. Once whatever is binding binds up, it stays bound and causes problems until I drive forward. The binding is sometimes mild but if I hit the breaks harder it is often bad enough to stop the vehicle from being able to move in reverse.

Background: I rebuilt all four hubs with new brake rotors and pads, new oil seals, new bearings as required and serviced the bearings that were good. This was about 3000-4000 miles ago. I have not had any problems with the braking system other than the fact that it is often squeaky. I serviced the differentials and did the complete 60,000 mile tuneup about 2,000 miles ago.

When the problem first happened: Saturday, I took the Rover for a 180 mile trail ride. Most of my trail rides are 50 to 100 miles but I did all the maintenance I could think of before I went. Everything seemed okay, but after driving through some mild amounts of water and mud (probably 12 to 18") I had to back up because the Jeep in front of me was getting stuck. As I backed up I noticed the symptoms described above. I pulled forward 6 feet, backed up without the break, and had no further issues. Later on I did get mired in at least 24" of mud and had to be snatched out, but that was after the problem had already manifest itself. Now it is doing it every time I back up if I tap the breaks at all.

I need help knowing where to start. I have never had a problem like this on any vehicle. How do I isolate which component is causing the problem? A quick visual inspection of the brakes didn't reveal much.

 

I was out inspecting things again and I also noticed (not sure if this is relevant) that my rear differential breather tube is broken. So I will be repairing that and doing a differential oil change because I'm sure I had the diffs submerged a few times Saturday. Don't know if that could relate to this problem at all, I certainly hope not.

 

Start with the brakes.
The axle breather has nothing to do with it unless you got water in the diffs.
Ice maker water line works great for axle breather line.

 

check drive shafts as well - where does the binding feel like it's happening?

 

I've had a similar problem. I put the rig on jack stands and had a helper operate brakes and gear shifter while I inspected things. Found the issue in seconds.

Disclaimer; don't die doing this, I'd be bummed.

 

Jake, I'll check them. I honestly can't tell at all where the binding is happening other than "underneath me". The whole rig shakes, which makes it kind of hard to pinpoint.

This is probably what I'll do. I won't die either, that would be a lame way to die.

 

hmm yea I agree - or put it up on a lift where you can get under it and poke around.

If it wasnt related to braking I'd say transmission but the braking part is throwing me off...

 

Perhaps overly simplistic...but do you have any debris/mud/rocks caught under the mud shields?

 

Maybe something is causing your e-brake to engage in reverse?

 

Start with this. It's odd it only happens in reverse AND when braking. But debris in the brakes can do weird things. Especially with those worthless mud shields.

Also check your caliper mounting bolts. Perhaps an upper bolt sheared off. When braking forward its less noticable because wheel direction seats the caliper. In reverse the wheel direction could cause the caliper to pivot up and back, perhaps causing a binding sensation.
Put the rear end on jack stands, front wheels chocked, trans in Neutral. Spin the wheels by hand(forwards and backwards since each wheel will spin opposite with no traction) while someone works the brakes. See what's up.