Burning (rubber?) smell from front wheel well

[Hatsuharu]

I installed Eibach springs two weeks ago and have since noticed a burning odor (I think rubber) coming from the front driver's wheel after driving. I don't hear or feel any rubbing and the car is not slammed or anything.

I can usually smell it from inside the car when coming to a stop at a light and I can definitely smell it when I go up to the tire. I do notice that there is a lot of heat coming out of that wheel well but not the other three. I can feel it when I put my hand or face near the wheel.

I took off the wheel the other day and didn't notice anything unusual as far as wear marks. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know if the spring install caused it or if it's a coincidence. Rubbing on suspension? Seized caliper? Something else?

[Wangtang408]

I have the same issue, I installed some Tein S techs springs then I installed Injen CAI. I have a 06M so I had to cut out he diamonds holes in the grill so the cold air could flow in from the bumper for the CAI. I got lazy and cut the diamonds shapes using a dremel with the grill on the bumper still which cause the plastic particles to fly inside the bumper. I opened the hood and vaccumed out all the plastic particles and also ended take out the bumper grill insert to remove the plastic particles that got stuck behind (should of removed the grill in the first place) Ever since that I been smelling burnt rubber as well coming from the front driver side same as you Hatsuharu. I suspect that it could the small plastic particles that flew in and are melting somewhere but now that you have the same issue could it be something else?

[svard75]

You have an M35x AWD with eibachs? Didn't know they made them for the AWD version. Could very well be a seized caliper or stuck caliper would sound like it's grinding and over time it becomes warped so while driving your whole car vibrates like driving over rumble strips. Have you checked your brake lines? Are they pinched anywhere? Remember getting the pads to come together when braking is easy but having the pads come appart could be affected if the hoses are pinched or damaged. Some other things to check are you on stock 18" wheels? Do you have oversized tires? Have you checked all four tires for any unusual wear?

[Hatsuharu]

I have the same issue, I installed some Tein S techs springs then I installed Injen CAI. I have a 06M so I had to cut out he diamonds holes in the grill so the cold air could flow in from the bumper for the CAI. I got lazy and cut the diamonds shapes using a dremel with the grill on the bumper still which cause the plastic particles to fly inside the bumper. I opened the hood and vaccumed out all the plastic particles and also ended take out the bumper grill insert to remove the plastic particles that got stuck behind (should of removed the grill in the first place) Ever since that I been smelling burnt rubber as well coming from the front driver side same as you Hatsuharu. I suspect that it could the small plastic particles that flew in and are melting somewhere but now that you have the same issue could it be something else?

Yeah I started noticing it after I installed my springs. I did an initial check for clearance, rubbing and looked for any wear but didn't see anything after that week. It's been about two weeks now since I started noticing it.

[Hatsuharu]

You have an M35x AWD with eibachs? Didn't know they made them for the AWD version. Could very well be a seized caliper or stuck caliper would sound like it's grinding and over time it becomes warped so while driving your whole car vibrates like driving over rumble strips. Have you checked your brake lines? Are they pinched anywhere? Remember getting the pads to come together when braking is easy but having the pads come appart could be affected if the hoses are pinched or damaged. Some other things to check are you on stock 18" wheels? Do you have oversized tires? Have you checked all four tires for any unusual wear?

Yep to the Eibachs... I will be posting a separate thread on that soon with pictures and my set up.

I'm on 20's now... but I was on my stock 18's for a week and this is my first week on my 20's. Still get the smell with both. The wheel+tire size is basically the same though so it is not surprising that I am still experiencing this issue.

I didn't really pay attention to the brake lines last week... something I'll note when I check again later today or tomorrow.

[svard75]

You have an M35x AWD with eibachs? Didn't know they made them for the AWD version. Could very well be a seized caliper or stuck caliper would sound like it's grinding and over time it becomes warped so while driving your whole car vibrates like driving over rumble strips. Have you checked your brake lines? Are they pinched anywhere? Remember getting the pads to come together when braking is easy but having the pads come appart could be affected if the hoses are pinched or damaged. Some other things to check are you on stock 18" wheels? Do you have oversized tires? Have you checked all four tires for any unusual wear?

Yep to the Eibachs... I will be posting a separate thread on that soon with pictures and my set up.

I'm on 20's now... but I was on my stock 18's for a week and this is my first week on my 20's. Still get the smell with both. The wheel+tire size is basically the same though so it is not surprising that I am still experiencing this issue.

I didn't really pay attention to the brake lines last week... something I'll note when I check again later today or tomorrow.

Nice to see eibach making coils for us AWD folk! You may not actually see anything wrong with the brake line but you can test it out. Have someone press the brake and try to spin each hub (You should not be able to spin the hub). Then have them release the brake and if it's the front wheels on an AWD you should be able to spin the hub with a little effort if you cannot then one of your front brakes are seizing. The trouble is determining exactly what is causing the caliper to seize. It could be the lines are blocked or the piston is overly rusted and can't move or the sliders are seized and don't move freely. Test the sliders and piston first by removing the caliper and pushing the pistons in using a small block of wood and a C-clamp. If they go into the chambers easily it's not them. Check the slider bolts for any rust. You know those rubber spacers at the end of one of the sliders? I completely removed mine because this slider bolt was constantly seizing up. It could also be (Less likely) the brake pad return spring has weakened to the point where it no longer has enough strength to return it to the open position. Anyway if none of these seem to be a factor then it could be the lines. I would just have your brakes flushed at a shop.

As you said one of your wheels are very hot and I am thinking it's a brake issue. The thing you are smelling is actually the brake pad material burning off. I went through this myself that's why I'm mentioning it here. I let it drag out to the point where the rear rotor and caliper had to be replaced it was that far gone

[myother45isalesbaer]

I installed Eibach springs two weeks ago and have since noticed a burning odor (I think rubber) coming from the front driver's wheel after driving. I don't hear or feel any rubbing and the car is not slammed or anything.

I can usually smell it from inside the car when coming to a stop at a light and I can definitely smell it when I go up to the tire. I do notice that there is a lot of heat coming out of that wheel well but not the other three. I can feel it when I put my hand or face near the wheel.

I took off the wheel the other day and didn't notice anything unusual as far as wear marks. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know if the spring install caused it or if it's a coincidence. Rubbing on suspension? Seized caliper? Something else?

I will get beat up for this post. But why do you guys have to mod them out? They come from the factory in nearly perfect condition. Messing with suspension and wheel size is all for show and no go. Yes, you probably have a stuck caliber. I just don't get why you spend the money to change what is already near perfection. Can someone, without an attitude, explain this to me?