Odd odor

[Steve Adams]

Returning from Bend yesterday we detected a strong odor coming from the AC vents as we neared home. We can't agree on what the odor reminds us of but some things that we thought of are electrical and/or hot oil.

When we stopped and stepped outside the odor was much stronger and seemed to be coming from or near the passenger front tire. Today the odor is still there though not as strong and still around the tire. Wheel bearing, dragging brake pad? How can I check? OK to drive to a service center? Other ideas?

As always, your suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks, Steve

[Edward Buker]

Steve,

Check the hub for oil and see if it is full and that the fluid looks like normal 90w oil. You could drive a little distance using your brakes a fair amount and if you have an IR gun measure the temp of both front rotors or drums and see if they are similar. If you have the means to get the suspect wheel off the ground and see if it rotates freely without play, that would be helpful. Check if you can see anything that could rub on the tire.

 If you were in Bend for service they may have some insight as to what it could be. Driving to a service center is a judgement call you will have to make. If the oil in the hub was full and normal and the brake seemed to not be overly hot with an IR gun check after a short run, then that would probably ease my mind enough to travel some reasonable distance for service as long as the problem did not get worse while doing so. Stop and check at intervals and see what is the status of the odor. Extras like the dash air and blower you may want off just in case they are the source of the issue. Safety first, using good sense as to how serious this issue is should guide you. Hope this helps.

Later Ed

[Bill Sprague]

.....and if you have an IR gun measure the temp of both front rotors or drums and see if they are similar....

I have an IR gun.  I've found that the palm of my hand works as well for measuring relative differences.   It is not unlike touching a cup of coffee to see if it is hot, warm or cold.  Certainly, if some thing is "red hot" you can feel the "glow" before you burn yourself!  

[Steve Adams]

Ed and Bill,

Thanks for the replies. I plan on taking it to a Les Schwab in the morning and have them check the brake and hub. It is about 2 miles away so I feel pretty safe driving such a short distance.

Thanks again, Steve

[Steve Adams]

Schwab said they could not repair it if they found a problem so took it to Pacific Power Products in Ridgefield, WA. We've been there before and had great service.

I got a call the next day to tell me that they could not find and issue, brakes were fine and oil was good in bearing on front passenger tire. Damages were $366.00 for labor.

OK, I says, can you top off the tires please? Sure they say.

When I go to pay theres $100.18 added to pay for their time to check the tire pressure.  ??) After some cussing and much discussing it was removed from my bill.  

I was absolutely floored! Word to the wise, review your bill with a fine tooth comb!

Steve