Smell test, help guys...

Okay guys, let me know what you think. This is on my 01 Subaru Outback. I started picking up a slight "burnt rubber" odor when I would come home and park in the garage after a drive. Today I was driving more than normal and when I got home the smell was much stronger. I've have my 90k service done about 2 months ago and figured the coolant system was good but checked that out first while things were hot. Guessing as things cooled I may see some signs. Never have any drips under the car other than from the AC and had none today. The rubber smell made me think some coolant may be spraying on a hose or something causing it to spin and "burn". Well tonight I did a little poking around with a cool engine and noticed the only wet culprit under the hood. The boot behing the left front CV joint is torn wide open and there is an isolated spray of oil in that area. I'm not sharp on what fluid these boots have in them but would this produce that smell? Did I just find something else defective and the smell is still to be found. Any info would be much appreciated. Guess I'll be spending some money one way or anouther...

Thanks!
Brian

 

Thanks Mike. I think one of the worst automotive smells I recall over the years is burnt tranny fluid, spendy too. Oh, and Kim picked up the smell of "maple syrup" in the garage last year when I had a horrible cold. Maple syrup= coolant

 

Okay, just popped in my local shop for a llok see and yes the inner boot is toast. On the Subie it's relatively chaeper to replace the entire axle assembly that replace a single boot. Sticker price wasn't too alraming and they know how picky I am and will try to clean up the mess for me.

Brian

Oo-ooh that smell, can't you smell that smell...

 

I feel your pain, well somewhat. I grew up with big boats, you know those fiberglass tyhings that float and you fill them up with cash.

Glad I'm not out in Montana dust bowl. Sometimes you roll into the little towns and if you have a car newer than Y2K they think you must be from the future. Had to wait for Fed-Ex on the side of the road once to redevouz the delivery of a new serpantine belt. Fun times!

 

I'll take all new though! Seems I'd do both sides but when I asked they said now way. Wait till they go. They proximity of the exhaust happens to make this one live a shorter life than the other?

 

Update: Called the dealer and they want twice a much just to replace the boot. Skies the limit for the whole sha-bang!