MTFCA Forum

I did a major reorganization of the shop today that involved moving the 22 to a different bay of the garage. I was able to back it out of the garage but when I tried to back it up the very low slope of my driveway reverse was slipping. It has Kevlar bands in it so I am not sure what is going on. Reverse has always been a bit loud in this car so it’s probably worth looking into more throughly. The whole point of the move was to make room to start assembling the 26 speedster, so I probably won’t get to the 22 till spring.

How many miles on the Kevlars ? Could be as simple as an adjustment.

Does the reverse pedal feel normal when you push on it? Maybe the adjustment has backed off. Easy to check. I was driving down the road a while back and a floorboard shifted and interfered with the left pedal just before I turned into my driveway. I thought something bad had happened in the transmission, then noticed the board out of place.

Honestly, I don’t use reverse much other than backing out of the garage or parking space. So, it could need some adjustment. I will pull the cover and see how it looks.

Reno Speedster wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 16, 2025 12:34 am

Honestly, I don’t use reverse much other than backing out of the garage or parking space. So, it could need some adjustment. I will pull the cover and see how it looks.

That is likely the issue. Just dont over tighten them like some do, then blame the Kevlar for a cracked drum. The Kevlars didn't do it, the overzealous owner-adjuster did. Yeh it may take a couple of "annoying swipes" at it by adjusting SLOWLY bit by bit but the result is well worth it.

"No more reverse" can be experienced in several ways...

1. Pedal goes to the floor before reverse engages.
2. Pedal has "normal height", (i.e. not going to the floor or very low), transmission is "screaming", but car won't back up.
3. Same as #2, but no screaming trans noises.

What are you seeing? Don't just tighten up the band if your issue is like #2 & #3 above.

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 16, 2025 4:23 pm

1. Pedal goes to the floor before reverse engages.
2. Pedal has "normal height", (i.e. not going to the floor or very low), transmission is "screaming", but car won't back up.
3. Same as #2, but no screaming trans noises.

What are you seeing? Don't just tighten up the band if your issue is like #2 & #3 above.

Good question. I have #2, which does not sound like a simple slipping band.

Reno Speedster wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 17, 2025 10:24 am

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 16, 2025 4:23 pm

1. Pedal goes to the floor before reverse engages.
2. Pedal has "normal height", (i.e. not going to the floor or very low), transmission is "screaming", but car won't back up.
3. Same as #2, but no screaming trans noises.

What are you seeing? Don't just tighten up the band if your issue is like #2 & #3 above.

Good question. I have #2, which does not sound like a simple slipping band.

Maybe try adjusting the band nut by 1 turn. If that helps, then maybe it's the issue. If not, you most likely have a problem within the trans itself.

First question: was the HH removed for the installation of correctly installed/shaped Kevlar bands?
Band must be round with NO band high spots. (No lumps)

Do the triple gears start to sing @ what point in the movement range of pedal travel?
Any sing denotes the band rubbing/creating friction on the drum.

Easy enough to pull the cover & check the drum for cracks/breaks.
The reverse drum seems to be most vulnerable to cracks & breaks.

The noise the triple gears make is the most telling of correct/incorrect adjustment. Listen, do not ignore the sound.

People used to use reverse for a brake. I'd avoid that except in an emergency.

I got this car some years back, so I have no idea how the bands were installed or what kind of shape the transmission is in. I will pull the cover and see what I can see. I discovered the issue as I was putting this car into
Mothballs for the winter so I might not get it sorted for a while. I am in the midst of putting new linings on the bands for my 1926 so I can get a set ready for the 22 as well.

If it turns out to be a bigger issue I will pull the motor and go through the transmission it in the spring. It’s been a while since I did one, but they are not too much trouble. Milt Web in Sacramento taught me how many years back and it would be fun to do.