Honda Car Forum

i have a 2002 honda civic lx 4 door. Whenever i turn off the engine and get out of the car, I notice that there is a hot, smelly odor coming out of the front passenger wheel well area (and no other areas of the car)any ideas on what it could be?

Brake pads are worn

brake pads are gone.Take it in before it gets more expensive.

Brake disc could be cracked and/or overheating.

The brake may be binding on that particular wheel - if the brakes are worn right out or you had a cracked disc you would notice much more alarming symptons. Jack the car up and see if both wheels are easy to rotate. another possibility is the CV gaiter has split and is leaking grease onto the brakes. Also the wheel bearing may be on its last legs. In any case get a competent mechanic to look at it right away, there are important safety issues at stake here.

check your brake and your rotors. then check to see if any fluids are leaking. then check all your hoses and etc.