Club 80-90 Forums

Guys hi,
Recently replaced brake system, pads, shoes, pipes etc and bled it inc clutch. Awfull smell whilst driving, I suspect brake linings but wheels feel cold to touch. Wondered if clutch could be 'out' causing friction lining to burn? Could this have been affected by brake bleeding?

Other options are:
Brake fluid burning off on engine where it dripped.
New brake linings burning off? (seems unlikely).
Electrical burning (seems acrid but have smelt this before from tank handbrake left on whilst driving).

Any ideas guys? Thanks,

Myk.

If brakes are cold to touch, both front discs and rear drums, then its not a brake problem. If you still suspect this then jack each wheel off the ground one at a time and spin to check for free running.
Suspect the clutch if when engaging into reverse, the gears grind, as the drive from the engine would be still transfering through to the gearbox.
It is possible that the clutch is slipping. To check, put the handbrake on hard, engage highest gear, rev up engine and lift clutch pedal if the engine stalls when your accellerator pedal is to the floor, then its probably not slipping and all should be fine there.
If the 'pong' goes after a bit of a run, then its probably just something burning off the engine but if it persists then it may be time to get the ol' sniffer under the van and have a sniff!

Ta VWCF, will give it a play when I get it back from MOT fixing (welding).

Will try bleeding (again) both brake and clutch systems, am I missing something obvious? It was fine prior to brake pad/shoe/pipe changes, and I did bleed both systems 3 times (still soft though, needs doing again).

Any pointers gratefully received

Myk.