Hi all

I have noticed for a while a strong burning type smell when exiting my car.

This is after normal driving, not spirited.

I think its coming from back left as that where its stronger, although have noticed it when exiting drivers door.

I recently had mid section of exhaust replaced due to broken bracket and unable to repair, although had noticed it before this was done, and its come back.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Also, i have an occasional low rumbling when turning sharp to the left, but i think this is a seperate bearing issue.

Seems to be one thing after another at the moment!!

Help!

Thanks

Poorly aligned exhuast maybe?

Binding brakes? If brake pads get too hot, they'll smell really bad.

Had my brakes checked not long ago, and got a pass with an advisory to get new discs and pads at next service (ie in about 8 months) so think they ok.

possibly exhaust, i noticed it is a bit squint at the back, but i had noticed the smell for the firsdt time before the exhaust was repaired.

Driven over a plastic bag and melted on a section of exhaust which was not replaced?

If the brakes are binding the wheel will feel very noticeably hot. The smell from binding/sticking brakes is very distinguishable........

well, have just rulled out binding brakes as not noticeably hot and not sticking if let it roll down a hill.

i think all i can say is hmmmmmm.....

Could be a failing wheel bearing hence the 'rumbling' you describe this would eventually seize the wheel, jack it up at all four corners handbrake off and spin the wheel if you hear a grinding sound while turning by hand then it's the bearing if this is failing it will be cooking the grease this would account for the smell..

You know I have this. I can smell hot rubber sometimes around the back of the car. I took a guess at it being the rubber exhaust mounts. I don't think they're burning, just hot.

check the fusebox on top of battery i could smell a burning smell for a few days but thought it was the brakes, turns out one of my wires had melted on there stranding me

Thanks all

i know its not the brakes as they are not hot when i stop.

i have noticed some more exhaust smoke but thought that down to cold weather and/or new exhaust.

think i be going around sniffing newly parked cars and looking at their exhausts for next few days!!

All

Just a quick update, had the car in to get the exhaust re aligned, which was causing the rumble on turning corners, sorted now.

Asked about the smell, basically they checked everything, all given clear.

They believe was a build up of brake dust, burning off, for some reason is a lot more on one wheel than the others.

Also found the following post, which says it quite common.

Just thought would share to those who kindly posted.

http://briskoda.net/octavia-i/burning-rubber-smell-my-octavia/34177/

I have had this from taking ownership of a 2001 VRS 4 years ago. Always the rearside passenger wheel. Have done 60k without problems so I'm not worried!

I get this all the time. Altough it has been getting stronger recently.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Rear calliper dragging I bet.

Mine went the same way.