Hey guys, I just bought a used '04 that had new brakes and rotors turned before the sale. After driving for a bit so that everything is warmed up I smell a terrible smell after stopping. Not in the cab, but once I get out. It seems strongest near the rear tires. I've been reading up on it and suspect a stuck parking brake, but I have not noticed any vibration or other resistance while driving. I do notice a teeny bit of hesitation though as soon as I hit the gas from a standstill. Not like a miss, but more or less like the engine slightly revs before the vehicle starts to move. To be honest, I don't know how to describe the smell other than that it isn't oil, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. and there is no smoking or anything to indicate fluid burning.

Is there something I should try to diagnose? I don't use the parking brake so if there is a quick way to disable it or really loosen it to test that would be great. I am unsure of how to do this, but plan on picking up the Haynes manual soon.

Any help and info to diagnose is much appreciated. Thanks.

[EDIT] I forgot to mention that I have driven approximately 300 miles since buying the truck so that should have allowed adequate time for the new brakes and rotors to condition and what not I'd assume. Plus, I've never smelled anything before on old truck after doing brakes and rotors, but have seen some posts suggesting a smell could be normal immediately following.

 

Sounds like parking break to me as well. Should be an adjustment hole (probably plugged) under the backing plate area (parking break functions as drum on inside rear rotor). It could also be locked up the way the cam unit engages it. If you can not adjust it to release it, then you may need to pull the rear rotor off and inspect. May not be a bad idea to inspect the cable as well. If they are locked up its going to be a bare to get the rotor off.

Anyone please correct me if I am off on the adjustment location.