This has happened twice. After a 30 mile ride, I step out and smell something like burning rubber or clutch. It only lasts a minute after I get out, so it's hard to track. Could this be the A/C clutch or bearings? No weird noises so far.

Truck has about 95k miles and is a manual.

 

I smelled something similar...

It was my drivers front axle u-joint grenading...

Check the front end for anything grinding...

 

I jacked the front up yesterday, and spun the front wheels. Everything seems normal. There is not grinding, dragging, seeping grease, clicking, etc. The front end seems fine.

I checked codes and got a 0382, heater grid. Could heater grids coming on randomly, or staying on too long cause a burning smell?

I checked the air conditioner compressor today. The pulley freewheels and I can turn the compressor by hand although there is some resistance. Both seem normal.

How can I tell if the a/c clutch is slipping? The compressor cycles and engages and the A/C works fine, but there could still be some slippage.

 

If your running your auto trans pretty hard it can get the oil hot and it will smell somthing like burning clutch. You may check your fluid to see if its burned or what shape its in..

Stephen!

 

Well, it had nothing to do with the A/C. It ended up being the driver's rear brakes. The wheel was too hot to touch after driving about 30 miles. I haven't taken off the wheel yet, so it could either be the real brakes or the E-brake. I adjusted the E-brakes about a month ago, and only started smelling something the last few days. Maybe the weather was cold enough to keep the brakes from smelling.

Edit:
Took it apart tonight. Definitely a sticking piston in the caliper.

 

CRSmith,
Just this past Sunday I replaced the right rear caliper on my 2002, gave me the same thing. The top piston was seized so the pressure was never really allowing it to free spin. It took an 8" C clamp and some love taps to get it off. Maybe like you said, check the "E" brake first! Food for thought, flush the fluid from all the calipers.