2000 Intrigue Brake pulsations

[atoyota4x4]

Ok, let me try and explain whats going on. First, this problem is not a warped rotor. When applying the brake everything feels smooth until you come to a complete stop. Then you get this pulsing in the peddle and you can here some sort of growling noise. The noise is gone if you release the peddle, but starts right back up when you step back down. Its almost like the ABS system is trying to do something. Here is another strange thing, while its vibrating and caring on, if you shift up into neutral, reverse, or park the noise stops. If you bring it back into drive without ever releasing the pedal it won't make the noise again until you release the peddle and press back down again.

I'm leaning towards this being a brake issue. Anyone else experience this or think I should consider somethign else as being the problem?

Matt

[kmohr3]

I'd agree, a brake or an ABS issue. Is the ABS light on? It sounds like the ABS is trying to do something it shouldn't be. You'll probably have to get the codes pulled and go from there.

[Swj]

Mine does that too sometimes, did it once in a while too back when I had my 97 cutlass.

[comptechbranden]

I get that a lot when I drive in snow only!!! I thought that is was normal braking system!?!? Anyone know what the issue is?

...maybe in the rain some if I stop fast...

[phewop118]

I had that happen once, where the ABS began pulsing after I had come to a complete stop. Something happened to confuse it, as I locked only one wheel while braking (that wheel hit a manhole cover, locking for a very short amount of time). Do you have an ABS light on? It sounds like the motor is pulsing for at the wrong time maybe due to a wheelspeed sensor malfunction. (most common abs problem, unless its a 98, where abs motors fail often, but u have a 2000).

[atoyota4x4]

Just a follow up. I now think it is something other than the ABS pump motor itself. I still could be wrong about that but I think it could possibly be an exhaust leak. Makes no sense that the noise stops when shifting into neutral if I keep my foot on the brake. It then will start back up when pulled back into drive. Maybe there is an exhaust leak and when the motor is torqued at idle its causing the vibration and noise. I plan to have an exhaust inspection done this weekend, hopefully. I will post an update after that.

[Swj]

Well I am going to pick up my car today from the shop just having my exhaust done. If it helps I will let you know.

[steffenk]

Your description of the "noise" disappearing when in neutral makes me think that what you're feeling/hearing is the transmission downshifting as you brake.

[atoyota4x4]

New Update!!

Midas (a muffler and brake shop) said it was my front top and bottom motor mounts. Basically a $400 repair. Well, I had my doubts so I ordered the top engine strut/motor mount. All you get is the rubber coated bushing that the bolt runs through and attaches to the motor. $9 and some change. Well, that did not fix it, but I have associated the noise with another source. The noise will dissappear when you turn the A/C off. I think either the compressor is making the noise or the load of it being on is causing a vibration on something. Everything works for now so I'm letting it go. At least I did not drop $400 for new motor mounts and then find out that didn't solve the problem.