2008 Dodge Caravan burning plastic smell

DOBERDOGS

MEMBER
2008 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
16,769 MILES

I have been getting a burning plastic smell from my left rear tire after driving an hour on the highway. Also, the lugnuts on that wheel are SO hot, I can not touch them!I brought it to the dealer and they replaced my emergency brake calipers(?). Seemed to be fine, no smell. Yesterday, after driving on the highway for 50 minutes, I could faintly smell burning plastic again and the lugnuts were hotter than fire!
I'm bringing it back to the dealer(. Again). What could it be? Is there a safety issue with the lugnuts being so hot? I'm afraid my tire will fall off!
Thanks for any insight to my problem.
CJ

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

It sounds like either the brakes are too tight or there is a broken return spring. Are the rear brakes drum or disc brakes?

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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 10:46 AM

DOBERDOGS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the quick response!
I have disc brakes. Just talked with the dealership repair dept. Apparently, the emergency brake on the 2008 grand caravan is defective. The mechanic told me that they were really puzzled as to why I was still experiencing the burning smell and hotter- than-hell lugnuts after driving on the highway for an hour. So, they called the auto makers and found out that there have been over 500 2008 caravans in the shop for the same reason(dragging pin?). So of course, the part is back ordered but atleast they know what it is and how to fix it. The problem is, that I will probably have to have the brake pad(. Or shoes)replaced because of the abnormal wear.
I asked if the lugnuts could snap because of the heat and he said no. I sure hope he's right about that!

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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 10:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Brakes are a wonderful thing, when they are working properly. As far as the problem, they must be refering to the slide pin that the caliper moves on. There must be a defect that causes them to stick.

As far as the brake pads, you may need to replace them. Have the dealer inspect them to be sure.

I agree with the dealer as far as the lug nuts. They should be fine.

If you have questions in the future, let us know, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 10:46 AM

DOBERDOGS