'97 4runner auto transmission sticks?
 

hi i hope you guys can help me out. in warm weather (90+) everything is fine, but in colder weather it feels like my transmission is sticking. I throw it in reverse and let off the brake and the car rolls back an inch and then locks up. i have to put it into drive for a moment, the transmission unlocks and then i can put it back into reverse and go about my way. 99% of the time its only in reverse but occasionally it sticks in drive also. any ideas on how i can fix this problem? thanks!

You are going to love this.....

Are your rear axle seals leaking enough to get the brake shoes wet with oil?
If they did in the past and you cleaned them or they are leaking but not completly soaked they will stick to the drums locking the wheel. You would think that oil is lubrication but it is tacky enough and can create a suction seal on the drums, sticking the shoes.

You might get this coming to a stop also, it is not as common. Parking or manuvering speeds is usally when this occurs.

Somtimes the rear brakes will feel grabby at higher speeds.

I have never seen this problem inside a tranny, and if you diff was broken you would have lots of noise.

When my axle seals leaked they would not lock up completly (stick shift) but the rear brakes would almost make a thud type noise. Most of the customer auto trucks would lock a rear brake while going slow but bang free as the pedal was released.

Yes! It makes a loud bang/crack when it finally releases and i do also get it coming to a stop but very rarely. I hadn't noticed the rear axle leaking before but i'll check it in the morning. Thank you for your help!

My vote would be for a possible leaky axle seal as well (oil turns to tar when heated to brake temps).
You're going to have to pull the wheel and drums to verify, don't just look from the outside.

Yep. I had that problem. It was related to a similar brake problem but not seals in my case. And NOT the tranny...

I had a similar axle seal problem. I never had it lock up on me, but all I had to do was look at the wheels to tell that fluid was definitely leaking. Definitely pull the wheel drums, though, as I did that and definitely knew that I had a problem when I saw that they were soaked. Additionally, my rear drums were smoking only after a short drive, which also alarmed me. If this is the problem, make sure you take it to somebody who knows how to fix it right the first time, otherwise you will have the same problem on your hands very shortly, I know from experience.

i haven't noticed any smoking so hopefully its not as bad as yours. i havent had time to pull the drums and check it so i guess i'll see how bad it is sunday when i have more free time

you guys were right, she runs like a champ now :banger: thanks again!