Questions and Answers

Lurch In A Pontiac Grand Am Q. I have a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am, automatic transmission, ABS, 2 door, with 96,000 miles. After I come to a stop, sometimes when I release the brakes, I hear a thud or clunk noise from the rear of the car and then the car lurches forward. The problem seems to get worse after stop and go traffic or when the car is hot.

I think I have heard the noise once or twice after releasing the brake when the car was still moving but I am not sure. I took it in to the dealer and told them that I though the brakes were sticking.

They cleaned the surfaces but told me that they were not able to recreate the problem. The problem is still there. They claimed that my transmission fluid smelt burnt. They seem to think that the problem was probably the transmission. All of the shifting between gears is fine.

Bradley

A. You could try a different brand, preferably GM, of rear shoes. Sometimes they can get sticky when the weather is damp. Also put on a new set of brake hardware to make sure all the return springs are new. Also make sure the wheel cylinders are not leaking brake fluid or possibly seized.