"Binding" in Reverse

[Ta2dResqr]

I seem to have an issue when backing. I notice it most at low speed, backing into my gravel/dirt drive. The vehicle seems to take "extra" throttle/power to get it to move with the front wheels turned. Sometimes I hear the tires slipping. Kind of like if you take a 4wd truck on asphalt, crank the wheels all the way and then try to drive. Is this just the nature of the AWD system or an issue I need to be addressing? If I straighten the wheels, the resistance goes away and it is sensitive to lighter throttle applications. I do not notice this in forward gears.

 

[Mike B]

When mine did this it was the PTU was shot and needed a new PTU. Eventually I lost reverse all together.

 

[fordfanstan]

When mine did this it was the PTU was shot and needed a new PTU. Eventually I lost reverse all together.

Same thing here, I was getting the binding, intermittently. Then it escalated to the “propane smell” and I took it in and got it replaced for free under the TSB.

 

[SilvererSHO]

I had my RDU clutch lock up on me for a while a few winters ago when it was cold as helll out and did just what your describe. It unlocked on it's own and has been fine since. When the PTU went out on my wife's SEL it wouldn't back up but it shouldn't matter if the wheels are turned or not.