Burning clutch smell with Pacbrake on

[Brett Maverick]

Hey guys,

We just got back from a trip, when we pulled down into the Salt River Canyon in Arizona (Long steep grade) I was getting that burning clutch smell.
Stock 2003 3500 SRW 4x4 w/ 6 speed and 4.11 gears. The 35' 5th wheel was about 13K-14K.
Had the Pacbrake on in 4th gear around 35 MPH as we came down.

Once we crossed the bottom and started up the other side the smell went away, I never had any of the standard clutch warning signs, other than the smell.
We powered up the other side and on into to Tucson without issue, no slipping or burning and the pedal feels fine, it just seemed to be associated with coming down in 4th gear.
The truck, the stock clutch and the Pacbrake have 102K miles on them.

I've pulled steep grades for years with that truck and a trailer that was about 10K-11K using the brake without issue.
Anyone else have an issue like this?

Thanks,
Brett

 

[Tuesdak]

Double check the brakes for signs of bluing as they could have been the source of the smell.

Only sign I had was slipping in 6th now and then.

Otherwise change the clutch before it completely goes out on you. IMO this was your warning/signs.

I suggest this place because they know what they are doing, what to look for, will throw any brand like SB in for you, and are inexpensive for labor cost. I would throw oil seals in while you are there. Been there myself and worth the drive.

Performance Transmission
Address: 11725 NW Grand Ave, El Mirage, AZ 85335
Phone: (623) 931-8078