So I've searched quite a few other threads about mysterious burning smells coming from the rear of our car... the answers I've read over are burning excess oil, burning plastics (from a bag caught on the exhaust system, etc.) and burning rubber from the grommets that hold the system in place.

I think my case is a little different though. I have an 04 with about 75k miles on it. I believe I am in need of new rear brakes, but wanted to get all of your feedback before I take my car in and have them "check for what the problem is". Lately, I've been hearing a faint scraping/grinding noise (not a metal on metal grinding noise) when I apply my brakes no matter the speed making me think/feel I need new rear brakes. No matter how long or short the trip, when I garage my car, I can smell burning rubber coming from each rear wheel well. I have bent down to smell the exhaust tips and around the openings and nothing odd there. Would VERY WORN brakes start to cause a burning rubber smell if they need replaced? If they don't produce that sort of smell, any suggestions as to what it is?

I don't feel any noticeable difference in driving lately, other than the smell after a 5-10 minute trip or an hour long trip. I've been keeping it garaged due to uncertainty of the problem. Thanks for all/any advice... [Sorry if this belongs in a subTech thread. Just didn't know which one as the problem is undiagnosed]

 

Anyone have any insight?

 

Well the brakes on our car do squel, due to build up of brake dust thats normal. How long has this problem been going on?

 

After I painted my calipers and rotor insides where it rusts, with hi-temp and clearcoat there is a smell like rubber sometimes. The exhaust gets really hot and there is plastic shroud not too far from tips. Wonder if something is "too close?" The brakes are probably also in need of examination, pull the pads or take your 8 to the shop.

 

Is your car lowered, or do you have larger/wider rims? Is it possible that the tires are rubbing against the wheel well somewhere?

 

Mine smells after I get on it all the time. If its not on fire don't worry about it.

 

maybe the brake squeal warning tabs on the rear brakes are working?

you might check the rear brakes.

and yes the brakes do have metal tabs that make noise just before they wear out and cause damage.

beers

 

The rear end of my car reeks like rubber every time I pull off the highway. I don't worry about it. I'm contributing my smell to the fact that I still have my winter tires on, and I'm usually doing around 80-85 on the highway. My tires are warm to the touch after driving hard, figured that's where the smell is coming from.

 

I had the same problem, a slight burning smell around the rear of the car. I replaced the brakes (and upgraded the rotors) and I don't have the smell any more.

 

My '04 has the same thing. Really strong around the passenger side wheel well, not so much on the drivers side. I am going to get it on a hoist and see if I can see anything. Its totally weird that others have the same smell. It doesnt seem to matter how I drive it, or how long, or anything... and no brake squeal... I have summer tires, stock everything, so I dont know. Maybe a hoist peek will shed some insight...
Mike

 

You painted your rotors? Hopefully not where your pads actually contact the rotor!

 

sorry for the delayed response... i have not painted my rotor insides or calipers. there is definitely no squeaking when i apply brakes, more of the thick, deep scraping when i depress the brake.

i think i am going to get the rear brakes replaced and i think that will solve the noise, but we'll have to see if the burning smell is more the brakes or just natural running... thanks guys for your help. if you have any other insight or personal experience, please feel free to keep adding.

 

Thick deep scraping sounds like they are shot... how do the rear rotors look? If you feel any grooves, you may be in trouble and will likely have to true or replace the rotors

 

Well unfortunately I am not home right now where my 8 is parked so I cannot check.

I had my mom contact the service guy we take our cars to (he has actually owned an 8 in the past). He said the back brakes were a 3/10 so they passed state inspection (what I also was getting done), but he highly recommended me replacing them now before letting them get worse and doing more damage to the rotors. He also recommended refinishing/machining the rotors. So for new rear pads, machining rear rotors, and emissions/inspection, I believe my mom said the total bill was about $250.

He also mentioned that my front rotors needed replaced at some point b/c they were warped beyond fixability. He said he couldn't machine them down any further to get a clean surface. This however, he said wasn't a huge priority at the moment as it didn't effect my safety in driving... it just caused a minor vibration in the front.

Next time I am home, at the beginning of the summer, I will be replacing those rotors and possibly pads (6/10) and getting a 4-wheel alignment. Do you guys suggest I purchase front OEM rotors & brakes on my own and then have him put them on?

 

If you have the tools and the time, I'd suggest you do it yourself. If you do, you will probably spend about half the $ on it, and brakes arnt the hardest to do. Check some of the DIYs on the topic

What do you mean 3/10 & 6/10? As in 30% left on the pad material?

If you are able to, have him show you the problems with the rotors, amount of pad left etc so you will know what to look for on your car in the future.
Its also a good to know what to look for as some shops and dealers will make things up and exaggerate problems to get you to open your wallet.


Last time I was at the dealer, I was told I had less than 2k left on my front pads and would likely need new front rotors as they were almost un-machinable. As it was, the rotors needed no machining at all and I had at least 25% left on my pads

 

I never trust anyone but my dad's and my opinion on brakes. Seems like anytime anyone has ever taken any car in to get any service they always end up "needing brakes"

 

do you have rims, if too wide they may rub, and also your rear toe might be off some, mine used to do that when i first bought the car it was lowered with no alignment done, and found out the toe was in by 1 degree

 

Yeah, odd how dealers find 'problems' to fix...

Im about the same on the trust issue, plus it helps some that my dad ASE certified and a tech trainer for Ford.. knows a thing or two about cars

 

If you have the "all weather" floor mats, there's your rubber smell. Put the carpet mats back in.