Do old brake pads smell when hot?

[A900ss]

I bought my car in March and have not changed the brakes since as both pads and discs have plenty of life left and stop the car very well indeed.

Now I am getting used to the car and pushing it harder, I've noticed a smell coming from the brakes when I start using them heavily. They show no signs of fade when they smell, the performance is still good. The smell is very similar to that of a burning clutch. (clutch is fine and has been visually checked 1500 miles ago).

The pads are dropping very little dust on the wheels even though performance is fine.

So, do pads smell when old? I'm reluctant to change them when the performance is fine.

Thanks.

[scotty_d]

All pads start to smell when hot. When on track days this is a sign I only have a lap or so left before pulling in for cool down time before they go wooden. That was with mintex pads , hope the CL will be better

[QBee]

Try Ferodo Ds2500 for track use - I haven't yet, but my best friend and my TVR guy both rate them

[A900ss]

That's the thing QBee, I am road use only.

I think the Ferodo may be overkill for road use and I also think the current 'smelliest' are performing well.

[QBee]

I have standard Ford Escort pads in mine. Completely adequate for the road.

[jimbo65]

Everything smells when hot.

[TVRWazzock]

A900ss said:

That's the thing QBee, I am road use only.

I think the Ferodo may be overkill for road use and I also think the current 'smelliest' are performing well.

I have Ferodo Ds2500 on my Tam and have done 3 track days with them and they are great. They don't smell (not that I've noticed) after prolonged road use. The only problem is that they leave alot of brake dust on the spiders which has to be cleaned regularly

[AutoAndy]

Yes, normal pads smell when pushed hard.

Also my S had a bad smell and smoke after very sprited driving down an alp in Italy, but brakes were fine.... It turned out to be the dust protectors on the front wheels were melting!
They are still at the bottom of that mountain and the car is fine.

[valhalla]

Wet dogs do...........

[Brummmie]

I have never had "smelly" pads with CL. But the three letter brand I could get a right pong from in my automatic Audi a4 on the road, but your smelly pads are about to melt and "lubricate" your brake system!