Hi, ive had this 93 4.0 auto for a year now, when i bought it the guy had had it for a year, he said there was a grating noise in reverse and its been like it the whole time he had it. well ive driven it round for a year with the same noise + feel, although recently its getting worse.
In drive the car is fine except when creeping on the footbrake in traffic it is not smooth and has a juddery effect - no noise. In reverse it grates and judders and is utterly horrible at any speed - seems to be getting worse.
so what now then ?
thanks Ant

 

Have you checked the trans fluid? Also if it's only in reverse, the drum could be warped/cracked which could form a lip that only affects it in one direction(in your case, reverse). Could be a u-joint clunking around that needs replacement.

 

hi, waiting for it to cool down before i check fluid. when you say drum are thinking rear brakes ? ive only just serviced them and they looked fine
thanks

 

Yea, I was referring to the drum brakes. I had a Dodge Dakota that had a slightly cracked drum and it made awful noises when moving at slow speeds (only because my one brake always rubbed the drum due to a faulty star adjsuter). That why I figured it might only do it in reverse for you, because you are likely on the brakes. I just drove the sound off though Also, be sure to check the driveshaft for excessive play. That will determine if it's the u-joint.

 

driveshafts good, ok if i knock it in neutral, reverse is terrible, and that slight jerkyness when creeping forward, drives fine though. ive been reading up about the problem with flexplates but they tend to knock yeah ? i have no knock, maybe torque converter. its dark here now ill have to do it next week as im away this weekend - HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone here