HELP - Hot / Burning rubber smell coming from engine.
 

I've had this burning rubber smell coming from the engine area of my 2001 Tiptronic Boxster. I can smell it coming out of the Drivers (right hand) side. I've changed the rubber drive belt. Checked for any oil leaks etc - checked all fluid levels but the smell persists. Seems to be stronger after a short trip (about 5 klms) than a longer one. Its been there now for some months without causing any problems - I'm concerned that it is about to become something major. Does anybody have any ideas.
Pete.


2001 Tiptronic - Arctic Silver - de-snorked- slotted front rotors - ceramic/kevlar pads - 78000 klms

I'd check the rollers that the belt rides on. They tend to go bad.

i have the same smell. some say it is a belt going bad, some say it is rubber from the tires getting on the exhaust. one guy had a plastic shopping bag get stuck on his muffler. i have yet to find a thread where this smell was a precusor to tragedy, so i've decided not to worry about it too much.

Most likely the belt wearing out or a connector has come loose and is being burned. My compressor sending wire connector came loose and started burning on the pulley.

I'd check it out no matter what. Burning is not good, especially in an engine bay.

I'd check the exhaust system to see if anything is touching it. Also, make sure your CV boots are in good shape. The CV grease can have a burning smell when it's coated onto the exhaust system.

Try this one:

Jack up the rear right side of the car and
remove the tire. Make sure all 3 tires are secured
before doing this.

Then remove the tire well lining plastic panel.

Start the engine and turn on the AC.

Check if there is oil leak around the spark plugs area.

Watch if the oil is dripping.

If there is, oil leak is coming from the spark plug area
and dripping straight down to catalyctic converter.
Smoke and rubber smell should be coming out.
In this case, you need to open and remove the spark
plug collar and replace the o-rings.
However, if the oil is coming above the spark plugs,
you need to do some more trouble shooting and
locate the source of the leak.
Hope this help and good luck.

I know this is an old post from a few months back, but I'm having the exact same smell. Did you solve it? Just wondering what the outcome was?

I had the same smell. Turned out the idler bearings for the belt were dry. I greased them up and the car became much quieter and i have not noticed the smell any more. Take the belt off and see if you have any play in those beari gs.

Sure your not just to close of your Rear tires? :P
just kidding.. good luck solving this out :)

Find the reason! Several cars have burned to the ground after reporting a burning rubber smell.

Possible causes:

Installed new headers and PS lines are touching them when red hot. Guaranteed fire when the lines fail!

Failed belt pulley.

Tire- E brake cable contact after getting wider tires/wheels.


Good luck!