Owners of 2010 Mercedes-Benz G550 vehicles may comment about the smell of “hot rubber” while driving, usually after highway driving. The grease of the ball joints on the front axle detaches and comes into contact with hot exhaust components, primarily the catalytic converter. The grease produces the odor.
In winter months the fouling, composed of dirt, salt and de-icing chemicals can evaporate on the hot exhaust components and produce the odor of burnt rubber. Remove the surplus grease from the ball joints (a thin film of grease on the ball joints is sufficient) and clean the exhaust system with a high-pressure cleaner.
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