General Question

Jonathan_hodgkins's avatar

Smell of car brakes?

Asked by Jonathan_hodgkins (690points) June 2nd, 2014

I replaced my rotor, caliper and brakes yesterday.
I also bled them, but on the way into work I could smell burning brakes. What are common mistakes that I could have made and what would be causing the burning smell?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

6 Answers

SQUEEKY2's avatar

My guess they are just breaking in a bit, unless you were using them hard on the way to work,unless maybe you have them dragging a bit, but you didn’t mention that so I am again guessing no,if the smell doesn’t go away after a day or 2 then worry but for now, don’t.

rojo's avatar

Be sure and listen/feel for dragging or scraping on the way home. It has been a while since I had a brake job but I don’t recall their being a burning smell immediately thereafter. You may be right, perhaps a spring popped loose or something.

kritiper's avatar

New parts are sure to smell when heated to the degree that brakes are. It should stop after a few days, the majority of the smell will be gone after one day.
Did you clean ALL of the packing grease/Cosmoline from the new rotors? (If you got new rotors instead of just turning the old ones.)

kritiper's avatar

And don’t get grease on the pads or rotors! Could cause a smell. As a rule, grease and brakes don’t mix!

filmfann's avatar

It isn’t unusual to have a smell the first couple of days. Unless it is a strong smell, wait a few days before worrying.

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

Any coincidence that he hasn’t been on since this question?

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther