Mazda RX-7 FD

Why is there smoke that smells like rubber coming from the driver's side wheel well of my Mazda RX-7 FD?

Updated June 2026

If the smoke is originating from the engine bay and simply drifting toward the wheel well, here are a few potential causes based on the components in that area:

  • Failed Rubber Components: Inspect the area around the turbos. Failed rubber components can allow oil mist from the turbos or the crankcase ventilation system to drop onto the hot side of the turbos, causing smoke 3.
  • Coolant Leak (Sweet Smell): If the smoke has a sweet smell rather than rubber, it is likely coolant. For 1993–1994 models, there was a recall for a bad turbo coolant hose that could leak onto the hot turbos and cause a fire 3.
  • Oil Leak (Burning Oil Smell): If the smell is burning oil, you may have an oil leak around the turbo 2. Another common culprit is the o-ring sealing the y-pipe to the small pipe connecting the secondary turbo compressor; when this fails, it allows oil to drip onto the exhaust 3.
  • Exhaust Leak (Exhaust Smell): If the smoke smells like raw exhaust, it indicates a leak near the manifold, turbo, or downpipe 2.

Could you confirm if the smoke is localized strictly to the suspension/wheel area, or if it appears to be escaping from the engine bay into the wheel well?

This answer was generated by GarageBot's AI from enthusiast forum discussions. Always verify torque specs and safety-critical procedures against the factory service manual before working on your car.

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