Dumb woman question -

Had front and rear brakes done yesterday. Bad smell. Parking brake is not on (my first instinct when I smell that smell). I think it's probably normal, but how long will it take to go away?

 

That's not dumb. If the mechanic did the job properly and the brakes function well, don't worry about it. They use a number of chemicals, lubes, and coatings that heat up and the brakes are seating in. The smell should diminish based on the number of heat cycles the system goes through.

 

Thanks Max, but I am starting to think maybe it was not such a good job. The ABS light came on twice today. It is off now, but I'll watch closely tomorrow. Maybe they aren't adjusted right and are too tight?

 

You're Welcome ! I can only speculate if the job was done correctly, but if you're getting any ABS lights after the job that you weren't getting before, you should notify them and insist they double check the work. A decent shop should understand your safety concerns.

 

If you continue to get that smell, walk around and feel each rim. If one brake is dragging it will cause the rim to be warmer than its partner on the other side. You have to touch the rim, not the hubcap and not the tire.

 

Thanks Max and Path.
I don't have hub caps so checking the rim will be easy. Like I said I got a new cat too and it's ticking, so it has to go back for both problems. I'm not too happy about it. This is the first time I have had work done on my truck in Mass since moving here a few months ago (was just getting oil changes at Mobile because it was close). Two people recomended this mechanic but both things he did aren't right...

So, once this is ironed out, I will have to find a new mechanic. Anybody live on the North Shore of Mass and know a good mechanic?

 

I usually do all my own work but there are times when I have to farm out a job for one reason or another. I have known a few good mechanics in my time and they all had one thing in common. They all had contracts with the local police and county sheriff depts.. They were meticulous and a little more expensive, but it was fixed right the first time. So if your cruising by a repair facility and see some cop cars out front , you might want to stop in and ask him how long he's had the contract. If the county or city likes him, there's a good bet he's pretty competent. I'm not saying it's a sure thing but it's a good place to start when your the " new kid in town." Good luck!