Maverick Strada XB

[Taz]

Hi All, I need some help. I have just converted to RC Buggies after flying planes for several years. I bought a Maverick Strada XB on the advice of the hobby shop to cut my teeth on before going nuts and spending loads of money.

Anyway. I just wanted a couple of questions answered. Its 4wd. When I raise it up and run the engine, all 4 wheels turn for a while 10 sec. Then the rear left stops spinning. Does this mean a knackered gearbox?

Next bit. Its a RTR, I noticed the throttle is set to "reverse" on the TX. The car goes forward and reverse brakes etc. It does go faster in reverse. I swopped the motor with a 15T firestorm (within the range of the esc) given to me by the hobby shop. I pulled the throttle and the wheels spun backwards. Fairly simple place the TX in "forward/normal". (Yes the wires are right way round). The car cars brilliantly fast but now the brake doesn't work. If I hit the brake it just goes in reverse. (cant be doing the gears any good). I ran a test on the bench and found that it seems the brake function only works if the TX throttle is set to "reverse". Is this normal? Can I just reverse the wires of the motor or will this cause damage?

Any help would be great.

Doug