So i have a weird smell from the rear end, and ive had it for like 2 months. when it first happened it was a sticking caliper so i replaced that, the passenger side. the passenger side wheel would get really hot but now there isnt heat on either side, it does smell stronger on the passenger side however. i wouldnt call this a burning smell, and to tell you the truth i have no clue what the smell is related to. maybe a burning rubber smell would be the closest i could put it at, if only i could transmit smells on the internet. im thinking it has something to do with the rear diff fluid, as when i checked it last it was really old nasty and gunky, it probably hasnt been changed in a long time before i got the truck. so i topped it off and decided i would drain the diff this weekend because i didnt have time last weekend. so please give me any ideas you have!

 

Are any of your brake rotors real shiny? If you have a sticking caliper, the associated rotor will be buffed to a distorted chrome shine.

 

nope, none of them seem to be shiny too me

 

The lube in the rear end has a distinctive smell, which you will be very familiar with after this weekend. Burning brake lining material also has a distinctive smell.

 

Anything stuck to the tail pipe? Trash, plastic, small rodent?

 

do you have drum-style parking brakes in the rear [inside the rotor hub]? it could be the inside seal is leaking diff fluid and if the parking brake is set tight, it could be doing this...

 

Firebird, thanks for the info. I didn't notice anything wrong with the brake lines however but the gear oil thing may be right.

Ferguson not that I noticed, I looked it over multiple times for a possible leak that was dripping and hitting the exhaust creating a burning smell.

 

Sounds like you have a rear wheel hub seal that is leaking. Check the inside of both rear wheels for an oily, greasy condition. It's not a hard repair--8 bolts to pull the axle shaft and a special socket to turn & remove the adjusting nut for the rear wheel bearings. Once familiar with the process, it's a 30 minute job. Let us know what you find.




RON

 

Thanks for the info Ron, I'll definitely check for that tomorrow after work! I'll let you guys know if that's the probelem!

 

I get weird smells from my rear end too. My wife is always complaining but really, it's her cooking that's causing it!

 

First thing I though of when reading the title of the thread.

 

LOL i didnt even notice that, nice one guys

 

I was too polite but I thought about it.

 

This is one of those topics that you can only discuss on an automotive forum.