Help! Brake smell

[cwalker022]

Need some guidance. After driving for 15 minutes, I noticed a brake smell when I stopped and got out. I have a temp gun and only 1 side of my trailer showed any heat on the drum brakes. They were only 100F (other-side was 50F). Not sure why I notice a smell with 100F. Also not sure if more braking will get the other side to engage. Probably a loose wire. 2020 unit with 9 trips thus far. First time pulling it in a few months. Please help!

[Springhook]

Try disconnecting and reconnecting trailer plug. Make sure no debris in socket. Check wiring in back of backing plate for damage to wiring.

[cwalker022]

Ok after further driving I now realize it is the rear end of SUV where I get the smell. SUV brake temp is sub 100F. I can smell it clearly from both rear wheel wells. Not familiar with the smell Could I be smelling the rear diff?

[cwalker022]

After parked for 5 minutes in 40F temp, I see rear diff is 150F. I’ll drive a bit and see what temp I get.

[cwalker022]

Transfer case, Front and rear diff temps sub 200F so those seem fine. I’m scratching my head here.

[Lake Huron]

If you have rear disc brakes on your tow vehicle, your e-brake may be hanging up. My Yukon has rear disc brakes and on the inside of the rotors is where the e-brake shoes are. I never use the e-brake and over time things rusted up and broke and the e-brake shoes fell and got wedged in there. Chewed the brake linings almost completely off.

[cwalker022]

I thought I had replied to this already, but I must not have clicked submit. Drove from Colorado to Texas and only experienced the smell in the first few miles of the trip. At this point I assume it was the e brake not completely disengaging. I only use the e brake when I tow and it had been a few months since I last towed. I wonder if the lack of use and cold weather made the problem. Maybe I should remove the tires and rotors and check the e brake actuation. Not sure if it needs occasional maintenance. It’s a 5 year old SUV with nearly 100K miles.

[Springhook]

Originally Posted by cwalker022

I thought I had replied to this already, but I must not have clicked submit. Drove from Colorado to Texas and only experienced the smell in the first few miles of the trip. At this point I assume it was the e brake not completely disengaging. I only use the e brake when I tow and it had been a few months since I last towed. I wonder if the lack of use and cold weather made the problem. Maybe I should remove the tires and rotors and check the e brake actuation. Not sure if it needs occasional maintenance. It’s a 5 year old SUV with nearly 100K miles.

Maybe?? Just do it. Your life may depend on it!