weird smell, front end area hot

[angeno]

So I finally ended up putting a 3" OME lift kit on my rig along with some sweet Kelly TSR 33" tires. Had to do a little grinding in the usual spots for clearance but no big deal. Now the VX looks mind blowing-cool. I know, I have to post some photos. I'll try to do so ASAP.

Overall, I could not be happier. This is everything I ever wanted and driving it is just like running around in a giant Tonka Truck. You guys understand I'm sure. So that's all great. Here's what's not so great. My VX has about 135K on the clock. The engine has been rebuilt about 15K miles ago. It has new wheel bearings, new brakes. A lot of new suspension pieces (obviously). But there's a problem.

I've noticed the TOD active light coming on when it really shouldn't be, i.e. on smooth flat dry pavement. Also, I've noticed that the VX seems to be losing a bit of power. Imagine the sensation of driving with your parking brake partially engaged. That's what it kind of feels like. Most troublingly, I've also noticed a hot burning smell coming from the front area of the VX. Seems to be drivetrain related. But I'm not a mechanic so who the F knows?

:confused:

I'm sure something is going to break. It would kind of be nice to know which "rubber band" is going to snap before it happens. So I can plan accordingly. From anything I've conveyed, can one of you learned VX guru types offer any ideas as to what might be going on? Thanks in advance!

[WILLY]

Possibly a brake caliper sticking.

[bigblock8396375]

That was my first thought. After driving for a few miles, get out and check each wheel to see if one is hotter than the other,or check for burning smell.

[Ldub]

The TOD symptoms, as you described them, are considered normal after a lift & larger tires.

Also, 1 of these (http://www.harborfreight.com/non-contact-pocket-thermometer-93983.html), is a good way to check for anything creating excess heat...:yesgray:

[pbkid]

Agreed, stuck caliper probably. Check for more than usual heat off the calipers. You wont need to touch them, just put your hand nearby, in fact touching it will probably burn the ish outta ya.

[deermagnet]

Yeah, get one of these neat little gadgets and search around for excessive heat. I got one for $20.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/ir/ (http://www.thermoworks.com/products/ir/)

http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/mgpa/vx/vx7/574.jpg

Mark

[angeno]

Well, as I suspected, you guys are brilliant brilliant brilliant. :yesb:

Took my VX round to the mechanic today and sure enough when hoisted up, the right front wheel was almost impossible to turn by hand. 90 minutes and $150 later I had a wonderful new brake caliper and my VX was wagging its little tail.

Oh, btw, I promised to post some photos of my Tonka toy. And I tried to do just that, but apparently I lack the access to attach photos. :confused:

I'd really like you guys to be able to see my ride. Maybe I'm just too stupid to figure out how to do this....?

[Ldub]

I'd really like you guys to be able to see my ride. Maybe I'm just too stupid to figure out how to do this....?

Start here, (http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=FAQ&op=viewcategory&cid=7#38) then scroll dwn...:luck:

[angeno]

Thanks to Ldub. :grinb:

Since I am only mildly retarded, I was able to get some photos posted to the VX website. Unfortunately, for the same reason, I haven't quite figured out how to cut/paste them into the body of these forum posts. But the url link is here:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/bulkupload.php?ppaction=addphotos&do=preview&photopath=1857&upuser=&notify=no&rating=&comments=yes&defcat=500&deftitle=lifted+VX+in+NJ&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&keywords=&numprocess=10&processall=no&dthumbs=&mature=0

[Ldub]

Thanks to Ldub. :grinb:

Since I am only mildly retarded, I was able to get some photos posted to the VX website. Unfortunately, for the same reason, I haven't quite figured out how to cut/paste them into the body of these forum posts. But the url link is here:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/bulkupload.php?ppaction=addphotos&do=preview&photopath=1857&upuser=&notify=no&rating=&comments=yes&defcat=500&deftitle=lifted+VX+in+NJ&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&keywords=&numprocess=10&processall=no&dthumbs=&mature=0

I ain't quite sure how ya done it, but...:_thinking

The link you posted goes to my gallery...:_confused

"Not that there's anything wrong with that"...:)

Mebbe you're tryin' too hard ?...:smilewink

Keep play'n widdit, you'll get it soon enough.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/photo-2.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/photo-31.JPG

[angeno]

Dunno how I managed that <shaking head>. Probably couldn't do it again on a bet. :confused:




I ain't quite sure how ya done it, but...:_thinking

The link you posted goes to my gallery...:_confused

Mebbe you're tryin' too hard ?...:smilewink

Keep play'n widdit, you'll get it soon enough.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/photo-2.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/photo-31.JPG

[VX KAT]

Thanks to Ldub. :grinb:

Since I am only mildly retarded, I was able to get some photos posted to the VX website. Unfortunately, for the same reason, I haven't quite figured out how to cut/paste them into the body of these forum posts. But the url link is here:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/bulkupload.php?ppaction=addphotos&do=preview&photopath=1857&upuser=&notify=no&rating=&comments=yes&defcat=500&deftitle=lifted+VX+in+NJ&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&defdesc=Behold%2C+a+life-size+Tonka+toy%21&keywords=&numprocess=10&processall=no&dthumbs=&mature=0


************************************
ONCE YOU'VE UPLOADED THE PICS TO YOUR GALLERY....HOW TO ATTACH THEM TO A POST:

~If adding to an existing post of yours:
Go to your post and hit the "Edit" button toward the bottom of the first post.

~Then hit the white "go advanced" button on the bottom of the post.

~Then on the right side you should see a small gray box titled "My pics" and inside the box there will be the words "Open" in blue letters. Click "open".

~That will take you to your gallery and you just click on which pictures you want to upload to the post.

~In the body of the post -Hit a "return/enter" after each picture you attach. Otherwise it doesn't always space the pictures correctly.

****NOTE**** Sometimes, clicking on the picture you want does NOT make it (well, the code language) show up in the box where you are editing. I don't know why this happens, but if it does, I just wait an hour or so and start all over, and it usually works then.

[Rampage108]

weird smell, front end area hot
???
THATS WHAT SHE SAID