I have a 2003 Dodge Neon. I was driving today, and it had been driving perfectly for the first 5 minutes or so, and then while applying the gas it felt like my brakes came on, enough to make the tires squeal and to slow down my car considerably. I pulled over, turned it off, didn't see anything, so started it again. The problem came back 5 seconds or so after applying the gas. I pulled over again, this time not shutting the car off and just coming to a complete stop. It was then ideling fine, but once again, after a few seconds of gas, the brakes came on enough to make the tired squeal. After a few more times of this, I turned off the car and this time let it sit for about 30 or so minutes, and then turned it back on and was able to drive it 5 minutes to my home with no more problems. Any idea what this could be? Transmission? Or a brake problem? And no, my emergency brake is not on,

 

Which wheel(s) were squealing?
I'm guessing the rear and I'm guessing drum brakes.

Remove the wheel and drum. Inspect for signs of a leaky slave cylinder or loose brake shoe.

Joe

 

It did feel like it was the back tires yes. And like I said, it was pretty significant, enough to make the tires squeal. I recently had work done on the brake shoe...so is the problem probably something to do with the fix (only got it done a week ago)? I'm just happy if it is not a transmission problem...

 

If the problem is in the rear wheels, the transmission should be fine.

A brake job done a week ago would result in a return to the shop (if done by a shop) or a real close inspection of the work done. Sounds like a loose brake shoe to me. If a retainer came off one of the pins, you would have some unexpected things happen.

Joe

 

Thanks a lot for all of the help (and the quick responses), very much appreciated.

 

Thank timing... My account was activated this afternoon.

Good luck, and be sure to post the findings. Nobody likes to hear only half of the story.

Joe

 

I've had the rear brakes lock up before... not fun.

I put my car in reverse and popped the shoes back into place long enough for me to limp home.

 

I had the pin retaining clip actually shear in half (no clue how that would happen) and jam in between the backing plate and shoe recently. Loud squeal whenever I was going slow enough. Also had a very strong metal on metal feel in the pedal.