grabbing when backing up

I'm hoping someone could help, because I got ripped off twice by a
service station that said they'd fixed things, only to have the problem
crop up again a few miles later.

A lot of the time when I'm backing up, or less frequently when I'm at a
stop, I'll feel what seems like the brakes grabbing or pulsing under my
foot. I'm not sure it's the brakes -- it could be something else in the
front end.

The check engine light has also been coming on occasionally, but going
off before I can take it somewhere to get diagnosed.

Any ideas?

Need more information please.
What year make and model car?
Automatic or standard transmission?
How many miles?
When you feel the pulsation under your foot is it while applying the
brake?
Does it occur when you are stopped or while you are coming to a stop?
What did the service station perform the two times you "got ripped
off"? (Be specific)
Does it occur while turning left or right or both?
When applying the brake at high speeds does it pulsate then too?

wrote:
> I'm hoping someone could help, because I got ripped off twice by a
> service station that said they'd fixed things, only to have the problem
> crop up again a few miles later.
>
> A lot of the time when I'm backing up, or less frequently when I'm at a
> stop, I'll feel what seems like the brakes grabbing or pulsing under my
> foot. I'm not sure it's the brakes -- it could be something else in the
> front end.
>
> The check engine light has also been coming on occasionally, but going
> off before I can take it somewhere to get diagnosed.
>
> Any ideas?

On 11 Oct 2006 07:44:03 -0700, wrote:

>I'm hoping someone could help, because I got ripped off twice by a
>service station that said they'd fixed things, only to have the problem
>crop up again a few miles later.
>
>A lot of the time when I'm backing up, or less frequently when I'm at a
>stop, I'll feel what seems like the brakes grabbing or pulsing under my
>foot. I'm not sure it's the brakes -- it could be something else in the
>front end.
>
>The check engine light has also been coming on occasionally, but going
>off before I can take it somewhere to get diagnosed.
>
>Any ideas?


If you are feeling pulsing in the brake pedal when you are stopped the
likely culprit IF you have anti-lock brakes is the anti lock brake
system. Some systems cycle the pump when you first start the car to
verify it's working. If the pump doesn't run your Brake warning light
comes on. Is it your check engine light coming on or your ABS light?