2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Brake Pad Issue Causing Burnt Rubber Smell
200,000 miles. I had some squeking noise and brought the car to the mechanic 6 months ago. They said one of the two front brake pads were very worn, but the other was in good shape. They thought this was strange, and tested the brake line and everything seemed to be working fine. They replaced both brake pads. Now, about once in every 5 times driving I smell burnt rubber and the Jeep seems to slow down as if it's braking when I take my foot of the gas. This doesn't happen everytime.
You’re dealing with a classic brake drag issue on the front left side, most likely a sticking or seized front brake caliper. The uneven pad wear you had before and the current intermittent burning rubber smell plus the Jeep slowing down without braking input points strongly to a caliper piston or slide pins sticking, causing the pads to stay partially engaged.
Second possibility is a wheel bearing/hub assembly issue if it has an integrated ABS sensor causing false ABS activation and braking drag intermittently. Less likely but worth checking if caliper looks good.
Most likely culprits
- Front brake caliper sticking — Causes uneven pad wear, burning smell, and drag felt as slowing down.
- Wheel bearing/hub assembly with ABS sensor fault — Can cause false ABS activation and intermittent drag.
- Collapsed brake hose — Internal blockage can trap pressure, preventing caliper piston retraction.
How to narrow it down
- Lift the front left wheel and spin it by hand after the vehicle has been driven and cooled down. If it spins hard or not freely, caliper drag is confirmed.
- Check brake caliper slide pins and piston movement by removing the caliper. If pins are rusty or piston is stuck, caliper needs rebuild or replacement.
- Inspect brake hose for swelling or damage while pressing brake pedal to see if it collapses internally.
- Scan for ABS codes and monitor wheel speed sensor data to rule out false ABS activation causing drag.
- Check wheel bearing play and noise by rocking the wheel and listening for roughness or grinding.
Stop once you confirm caliper drag or ABS sensor fault.
Possible parts (if needed)
- Front brake caliper (rebuild or replace if sticking)
- Brake hose (if internal collapse found)
- Wheel bearing/hub assembly (if bearing or ABS sensor faulty)
A few questions
- Does the burning rubber smell come right after driving or after sitting a bit?
- Is the drag felt on one side only or both front wheels?
- Any ABS warning light or fault codes stored recently?