Rancid brake smell?

[Karen]

Never noticed this before today, any ideas what it is and is it normal? :S

 

[Big Iain]

racing about? and cooking them up a bit? what pads?

 

[Karen]

racing about? and cooking them up a bit? what pads?

I did just have a little drive to the farm shop down some quietish roads but I've not noticed this before??

Mintex fast road pads, but they've been on since Cadwell.

 

[Christopher]

could be the famous rs clio sticking rear calliper...

is the smell coming from them?

 

[christurbo]

Wheel bearings.

Jack it up and turn the each wheel [try the rear first] if they are not freely turning they are crumbling/deteriorating.

Also smell each corner with the wheel off - and check for metal flakes.

Feel the wheel/disk after a little drive with miniumum braking - if its buggered it will be very hot.

If you dont catch it early you could lock that wheel up bending your axle just like I did my in my last track day.

Id do this test urgently.

 

[Karen]

chris that sounds too difficult for me lol


im just off out again in it, will smell it when I stop :S front right was noticeable when i opened the door... didnt smell the other side :S

 

[christurbo]

Yes it will still have a smell.

is there any grumbling/squeeking/rubbing noises when driving? roll down the road in neutral/dip clutch so you can hear better.

Its either bearings or caliper piston seized.

 

[G_F]

My money is on binding calipers.

EDIT: Rear

 

[christurbo]

If smell coming from rear my money is on the bearings

If from front the calipers.

 

[G_F]

In my experience the front calipers are more tolerent than the rears and i have always heard a rumble from the bearings before being able to smell them.

Could be either or, wont be an expensive fix though. sub £100

 

[Karen]

Ok, the front right def has more smell and more heat coming from it :S

 

[MRBILLYUK]

If its still under warranty get it back to the dealers then . Sounds like the caliper could be seizing up . Easy job really , a bit of grease on the piston and it should be good as new .