Brakes Grab

[adiska]

I couldn't find this on the boards, so... I've recently been experiencing slightly annoying problems which - I Think - are the brakes.

As I slow to stop, sometimes, right at the last second of breaking there is a sudden grab. It's as if I just jammed my foot to the floor and slammed the brakes. This has only happened at low low speed < 5 M.P.H. as I come to a complete stop.

Another thing which started in the same time frame but does not necessarily happen after this grab is when I am starting from a stop there is a resistance. I am stepping on the gas and the car is only slightly moving, it feels as though my other foot is on the brakes. Then suddenly the car will jerk forward and accelerate freely as it would normally.

I've checked the brake fluid and it looked fine. Is this a sign that some sort of required brake maintenance needs to happen? At first I was worried about the trans, but I think it's the brakes.

Thanks!

[Legacy777]

Can you provide some information on your car? Model, year, transmission type, etc?

[adiska]

My Bad
1991 Legacy L full time 4WD it's a wagon. 4 Cyl. 16 Valve
I'm not sure about the transmission, is there an easy way to tell?

[ciper]

Is it an automatic or manual?

[adiska]

It's an automatic with a manual button on the shifter.

[ciper]

Does it happen every single time? If so can you try the same thing but instead use the parking brake to stop?

[adiska]

No, it doesn't happen every time or it's not noticeable if it does. I'd say it happens around 10% of the time.

[ciper]

Next time it happens let go of the wheel. Does the car pull to one direction?