Q: Burning smell coming from rear of van
I hear a loud, high-pitched squeak coming from the rear. I also detect the smell of burning plastic or rubber, and the right rear tire gets hot to the touch if driven for too long. I had the brakes and calipers replaced on the recommendation of another mechanic.
Recommended Services
| Brake System Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi there, it sounds like your pads are rubbing against the rotor creating excess heat. Normally the pads release slightly off of rotor when the brakes are released and the wheels start moving. If the issue is still happening after the repair you mentioned, something may have not been installed correctly. Have a certified technician inspect the brake system to troubleshoot and fix your problem.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Super unhappy with the quality of the interior
This is a very common problem with this generation Highlander. Toyota is well aware of the issue and there is an open recall for this specific problem. In order to properly resolve this issue, contact your local Toyota dealer, describe...
Car starts, but doesn't shift into gear, and power steering not working.
Sometimes with newer vehicles, replacing the battery can cause issues. Some systems may need to be reset, or relearned in order to function properly. It's not that you did anything wrong necessarily, but I would suggest you ask for help...
Wheel bearing going out
Hi there. A faulty wheel bearing will generally cause a growling noise similar to a chopping or cupping wear on the inner or outer edge of one or more tires. To determine this, the tire on the suspected wheel of...
Getting error code P0304
P0304 means the engine computer has detected a severe misfire on cylinder 4. This could be due to a bad ignition coil, spark plug, fuel injector, or valve train issue. If the issue is not resolved, further damage to the...
Vibrations in the stick shift and engine
It is very possible it could be a clutch/ transmission/driveline issue. Locating the source of the vibration, and ensuring it is not an engine peripheral is key. The fact that the clutch is not acting as designed almost makes it...
RPM issue. Car can't produce enough power. Idles low and caps at low RPM.
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Nissan Sentra. It sounds like you may have a throttle position sensor issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) or idle air control valve issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). If the catalytic convertor was not replaced, it could also...
Noise & vibration from the passenger tail light or trunk area.
Hi there. Check the taillight or the trunk to see if its loose. A vibration will occur on the taillight or trunk when they are loose. This happens easily when there is an amp in the vehicle or when the...
My car does not have an immobilizer installed on it, but it is keeping my 2007 Honda CRV from starting.
Hi there. If your vehicle is not equipped with the immobilizer system, but yet it is causing your vehicle not to start, then there is a problem with the engine control module. Most of the time the module can be...
Buzzing noise from engine compartment
Hello there. Typically a buzzing sound is due to a poor electrical ground; however, does not commonly improve as the vehicle gets warm. Sometimes, a loose serpentine or drive belt, or damaged pulley's that drive these belts can create a...
Related articles
2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Dodge Durango: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are a fun class of vehicle: not only are they great for carpools and moving around friends and family, but you can also get them off-road and just get dirty and have fun with them. These...
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2012 Dodge Durango: Which One Should I Buy?
Medium to large SUVs are a fun class of vehicles: plenty large enough for moving people around, but if you really want to get out there in the mud and have some fun, they are still good for that type...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Cities
Services