Rear smells smokey

[Lord_Anarchy]

Alright, well, I'm pretty hard at the brakes and I assume it's my harsh braking that causes my rear to smell funny.. (hahahhaha) When I take it easy and just cruise, I don't ever smell that burning smell from the rear of my Cam. So, with that said, what am I burning and is there a fix?

[Lord_Anarchy]

Would changing brake fluid help this problem?

[es250nut]

You're probably smelling your brake pads. If you arn't sure that's what you're smelling just follow some 18 wheeler going down a steep grade.

Yeah, there is a fix. Don't ride your brakes as hard. You can downshift and let your engine do some of the braking for you. You might also consider switching to ceramic brake pads.

[Lord_Anarchy]

Hmmmm.. I mean, I was thinkin' about gettin' my rear brakes checked out. I guess, depending on what those bums says (there worn.. replace them with OUR brake pads that.. blah.. blah..blah) I may go ahead and replace them. I don't feel like pissin' around the rear end, it pisses me off.

OR

Would it be better to buy the replacements and have somebody install them. I guess that way, I'd be SURE of how good they are.

Decisions, decisions....

[Lord_Anarchy]

P.S. If I replace, got a brand I can shoot for?

[es250nut]

Drum or disc?

I would guess you probably have Drums on the rear of your car... You might consider converting to Disc. Better stopping, less smell. There are some threads here on swapping out your drums for disc from V6 models.

[Lord_Anarchy]

I got the four banger.. I'd love disc upgrade. I'll search it up. Thanks...

[02_SLE_6]

before investing into anything make sure you figure out the problem first. you can end up gettin new brake pads when the ones on ur car now are still in good shape. if you know people around, have them take a look at it and see if they know what their doing. if not, bring it to a shop and ask them wsup.

but its most likely your brake pads or fluid related.

[Lord_Anarchy]

Yeah, it's what I'm thinkin' too.. Anyways, I'd love to do that converstion but as always, the MOOLAH problems I'll probably try it next year.

Thanks for bringing me back to reality..

I'll get someone to check 'em.

I HATE DRUM BRAKES!!!!!

[es250nut]

Usally dosn't cost much to wander through the wrecking yards... One of the local yards, U pull in Spokane, (If you count 130 miles away local) would sell both rear spindles/links/calipers for under $100. They sell trannys for $50, & engines @ $135. Starters,alternators & A/C compressors go for $8. They even have a 30 day return on their stuff.

Last time I was up there I got a set of factory alloys from a MPV with good rubber for $50.

I wish more wrecking yards were like that.

[Lord_Anarchy]

Yeah.. that was a pretty damn good yard you have there.. I'mma check my junkyard around the way here. Meanwhile, for the upgrade to rear discs, what's neccessary? Do I need bigger brake booster and does this affect my ABS? Although, I dunno if my Cam has ABS all around or only up front.

[es250nut]

The booster shouldn't need to be changed. As for the ABS I couldn't say for 100% what might need to be changed. It shouldn't be a big deal finding ABS equipped V6 Camry donor car in a wrecking yard. The main thing to watch for might be ABS sensors.

ABS should be for all 4 wheels

here are some other threads/posts on this topic:

Drum to disk conversion - DONE

Goodridge Brake Lines #21064

[Lord_Anarchy]

thanks