burn odor in winter from 02 taco

This is the second year in a row I have noticed a burnt rubber odor from truck during the winter. Last year I always noticed the odor after I was done driving, whether I was in 4WD or not, the odor always seemed to come from the rear tires, especially the driver's side rear tire. During the summer, I noticed I had excess brake dust on the front wheels and my EB light was always and I also noticed a bit of slip when applying the brakes. I checked the replaced the drums brakes and noticed that I had a seal leak on the driver's side. I had the dealership do the work. Well this winter the smell is now coming from the inside of the truck after I turn on the heat or if I am letting the truck warm up. Any ideas. Any direction is greatly appreciated

 

Do you notice it when driving in the snow, or all the time?

 

this is the first time I noticed it when I was driving, I never noticed it before when I was driving, always after I parked and always when I was outside the truck, now I am noticing it when I am inside, whether I am driving or not, 4 WD or not, always at night I think?

 

I am also experiencing an issue like this but my odor seems to be comming from the engine. I smell it mostly after driving. Ill get out the car and smell a burning smell. Smells seems to be comming from the grill/radiator area. Not sure if this is normal or not but I smelled it last winter and didnt investigate. The engine doesnt appear to be overheating. Engiine temp guage normally stays in the middle. thanks

 

it is possible the odor is coming from the engine, it just might get sucked into the heater system or it has to do with the heater system itself. Zer0 does this only occur in the winter for you

 

Ideas anyone?

 

I have the same thing happen on really cold day smells like I left my e-brake on and it comes frkm the rear not the front.

 

If the smell is coming from the engine it could be a possible oil leak from the valve cover gasket but it wouldn't be a rubber smell. Maybe check the belts?

 

well today, I smelled it after I got out of the truck and was walking to the rear. Just like the e-brake was stuck

 

Do you park with your e-brake during the winter? I don't know what the winter is like for you, but up here it'll freeze. The manual also says not to use it in the winter.

 

Yes I do, I live on a ridiculous hill and the garage is getting worked on. I was in Minot ND, very flat, hellacious winters, but I never used the emergency break and never smelled. I will look at that. Thank you so much

 

Like Brad H said, the parking brake can freeze and stick in the braked position during the winter. If it could possibly be coming from the engine, I would check the tension on your belts. Loose belts can slip in the cold and produce a burning smell.