Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Mitsubishi Delica L400 production commenced in 1994 -- After much anticipation, the L400 arrived on Canadian Soil in 2009!
Post Reply
User avatar
Mr. Flibble
Posts: 1396
Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:31 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1995 L400 Royal Exceed
Location: Issaquah, Washington
Location: Issaquah, Washington

Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Post by Mr. Flibble »

I was up and around Mt. Rainer last weekend, and the pass had a large amount of snow on it. When I came down back into normal "rain forest" terrain, there was a sudden squeaking that sounded like a drive belt slipping. I could smell what seemed like asbestos (what you get when you burn your clutch in a standard transmission) I applied the brakes, and pulled over, the squeaking went away - leading me to believe it may have been brake related. I pulled over a little after that and checked my drive belt tension, which was fine.

The thing is, it sounded like a slipping belt, but my belts were dry, and I can't be certain, but I believe that applying my brakes caused it to diminish and go away.

My best guess is that I got something caught in the front right brake calipers and that was causing the noise, and then having applied the brakes I dislodged the obstruction.

Could I be looking in the wrong area? Has anyone had a similar sudden noise and smell with their L400?
Canadian living in Washington USA
mrdueck
Posts: 151
Joined: Sat Dec 05, 2009 5:55 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: '95 L400 Super Exceed LWB
Location: Winnipeg
Location: Winnipeg, MB

Re: Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Post by mrdueck »

No l400 experience...yet. But your AC has a clutch as well and if it is slipping gives a similar smell. I've had this experience in another vehicle. Your AC should kick in occasionally on defrost, particularley in zero degree weather +/- 10 degrees.
User avatar
jessef
Posts: 6459
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:27 pm
Vehicle: JDM flavour of the month
Location: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, BC

Re: Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Post by jessef »

Could be your slider(s) on the brake caliper were a little stuck causing the caliper to drag on the rotor - squealing noise / brake dust smell. Pressing them would squeeze the caliper and move it on the sliders.
thelazygreenfox
Posts: 904
Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:21 am
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 99 white Hi roof gas Chamonix
Location: Coquitlam B.C.
Location: coquitlam canada

Re: Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Post by thelazygreenfox »

Mr. F
Similar thing happened to me driving onto a fraser River gravel bar for a days fishing. Throwaway fishing line became tangled around my rear parking/disk brake causing a loud squeaking sound
after driving through a deep water filled trench. I crawled under, removed the fish line and the squeak stopped. very simple but amazing it could happen at all.
Wayne
TLGF
Wear your mask, it keeps others from seeing the parsley in your teeth
User avatar
Mr. Flibble
Posts: 1396
Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:31 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1995 L400 Royal Exceed
Location: Issaquah, Washington
Location: Issaquah, Washington

Re: Sudden noise and asbestos smell after driving in snow?

Post by Mr. Flibble »

Just had my oil changed... My A/C belt broke! That is the noise that I heard.

It might also explain why my A/C is not cold. My guess is that the belt was poorly adjusted? Or maybe the compressor is gone which caused the belt to break?

I also had an issue with my new Boshi oil filter - it was leaking as soon as oil was poured into it at the bolt!!!! (But I leave that for another post).

I figure I am going to need to replace all my drive belts now that one has snapped. Where can I find the correct belt sizes for the 4M40 with a A/C unit in Canada?
Canadian living in Washington USA
Post Reply

Return to “L400 Technical”