I have a shifting problem on my 1987 245 GL. Intermittently, and to varying degrees, the transmission feels like it is meeting some kind of physical resistence when in reverse only. Sometimes I have to use quite a bit of power to roll it, sometimes it will roll at idle. It isn't like an overrev/slip problem. The transmission and diff have been serviced recently.
Has anybody seen this problem? I was wondering if a worn propeller shaft center bearing, worn u-joint, or maybe a hanging brake caliper ( or e-brake shoe) could cause this.

 

I have seen it in other cars, brakes hanging in reverse and causing the symptom. Does the car roll freely backward/forward in neutral? Play with it like that and that may give you some clues. If it meets resistance in neutral then it has nothing to do with the trans.

 

Thanks tedv, that helped. It does meet resistance in neutral so that helps with troubleshooting. I've inspected the brakes and everything functions correctly. When I pulled the wheels, though, the problem wasn't present so I can't rule out the brakes just yet. I know the center bearing is worn so I guess I'll replace that first and go from there.