so i bought a 98 a4 last week and the guy just recently put new front brakes on it. I am pretty sure i am smelling break pads. so yesterday i went and broke them in like they say to do, but i am still smelling brake. Is there something else possibly wrong or does it take a while for pads to get broken in? Help

 

Do you notice any fluid leaks or puddles under the car? I would imagine you are smelling burning oil from the valve cover gasekts and or cam adjuster seals falling on the exhaust.

 

Have to agree... I smelled oil after shutting the car off for weeks till I replaced the valve cover gaskets... then I smelled coolant, but thats a different story

 

No I don't see any leaks at all. The guy I bought it from said a mechanic spelled some oil on the engine but i have no idea how long ago that was. and if it is the valves and stuff how much would that cost to replace. And the smell does go away it is not there for days or anything.

 

Well if there are no leaks then there is no problem. I would go buy a can of brake cleaner and spray off the back of the cylinder head, and try to clean as much crap off of the exhaust as you can. Then run the motor and "burn" off the residue from the cleaner. This should fix the problem until the next time it leaks LOL.