Burning brake smell ...

[Hmmm2]

I've been getting a burning brake smell after driving just short errands. Today I was driving mostly uphill. When I stopped to get out of the H3, I smelled a very strong burning rubber smell, like burning brakes. Anyone have any thoughts? (Parking brake is off )

[Big Dad]

Mine did the same thing after 30 minutes of highway driving . At about the 5k mark it finally quit. The service department could never find anything wrong with it. It appeared to be very strong towards the rear of the vehicle.

[Hmmm2]

Originally Posted by Big Dad

Mine did the same thing after 30 minutes of highway driving . At about the 5k mark it finally quit. The service department could never find anything wrong with it. It appeared to be very strong towards the rear of the vehicle.

Thanks, I've got 30K on mine. I've smelled the lingering burning smell for some time now. And, yes, you're right, it's mostly near the back of the vehicle. I've asked the dealer about it, too, and they said it's nothing. But, it doesn't sound right to me.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

they forgot to take the plastic covers off the brake rotors

[Big Dad]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

they forgot to take the plastic covers off the brake rotors

While we're comparing smells I initially thought it reminded me of a smoking condom smell!

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Big Dad

While we're comparing smells I initially thought it reminded me of a smoking condom smell!

That smell is caused by FAST F****** !!!

[Big Dad]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

That smell is caused by FAST F****** !!!

Back in the high school days!

[Hmmm2]

Originally Posted by Big Dad

While we're comparing smells I initially thought it reminded me of a smoking condom smell!

Ya think I should tell the service writer that?

[Big Dad]

Originally Posted by Hmmm3

Ya think I should tell the service writer that?

If you don't, I will!

[eugenebeauxbuton]

I've had this issue coming down Big Bear to Riverside for some time now. I have 15k and it still happens. What the fux up, Doc?



This dude rocks big time.

[sattv]

I just noticed @755 miles I was out cranking my torq bars up

[Big Dad]

Originally Posted by sattv

I just noticed @755 miles I was out cranking my torq bars up

Figure out where it was coming from?

[sattv]

No I was to pissed when I found the drivers side was sitting on the bump stop and the passenger side is 1 inch higher at the frame....WTF???

I was a little nervous about cranking the bars till I saw that

[Hmmm2]

I don't know if this is related or not, but I just noticed that my front tires are now wearing in the same exact place after having the previous fronts rotated to the rear. Both tires ... furthest inside tread, not curb-side. I took the H3 to service at the dealer as I had suddenly noticed my steering wheel off center a few months ago. It had just happened. She told me the alignment was off and they rotated the tires. Thats' when I had noticed the tires worn on the furthest (inside) tread in a strange pattern. Two inch perfect, two inch worn flat, two inch perfect, two inch worn flat, etc. I looked at the front tires (which had just been in the rear) and they were perfect. NOW they are wearing the same way! Can't be the alignment .. no problem there. Anyone else notice this?

[Big Dad]

Isn't that indicative of improper alignment? You took it to the dealer and they told you it was off. But rather than align the damn thing they rotated the tires so you could have a matching set? WTF?

[Hmmm2]

They DID align the tires the first time. When I saw what the tires that went 'front to back' looked like, I asked the service writer what caused that?!?! She said the alignment was off. I never had alignment problems .. but the day before I took it in (and the reason I took it in) was because the 3 was pulling slightly to one side STARTING ON THAT DAY. No way could the tires have worn that way that fast. So now I see the front tires doing it again (the ones that were perfect), yet the 3 is NOT pulling in any way and it drives fine. EXCEPT .... for that thing that some other members have questioned .. when making a very tight turn, the front end thumps as it is turning and makes a thumping sound.

[tower]

FWIW, they align wheels, NOT tires.

[Big Dad]

Originally Posted by Hmmm3

They DID align the tires the first time. When I saw what the tires that went 'front to back' looked like, I asked the service writer what caused that?!?! She said the alignment was off. I never had alignment problems .. but the day before I took it in (and the reason I took it in) was because the 3 was pulling slightly to one side STARTING ON THAT DAY. No way could the tires have worn that way that fast. So now I see the front tires doing it again (the ones that were perfect), yet the 3 is NOT pulling in any way and it drives fine. EXCEPT .... for that thing that some other members have questioned .. when making a very tight turn, the front end thumps as it is turning and makes a thumping sound.

Here's a quick explanation:

http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html

I'd start getting smart about what causes that pattern of wear to figure out the problem.

I remember seeing tires similar to the ones you describe. I think it might be called feathering or cupping? I'm sure you'll find out relatively quick.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Big Dad

Here's a quick explanation:

http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html

I'd start getting smart about what causes that pattern of wear to figure out the problem.

I remember seeing tires similar to the ones you describe. I think it might be called feathering or cupping? I'm sure you'll find out relatively quick.

thanks DAD,

GREAT explaination...

[Hmmm2]

Thanks for the WHEEL alignment tutorial, Big Dad.