Brake or clutch problem?

N-Reg diesel Ford Fiesta; after long sections of downhill I get an acrid smelling smoke pouring out from under the front left side wheel. This happens regardless of whether I use low gears to keep the car's speed in check downhill or the brakes. Any one have any ideas please?

I've check the oil level, but wonder if it might be something to do with the engine coolant; should the level be between the min and max line when the car is cool or when it is running?

Answers:
my bloke reckons it could be the brake caliper sticking . he's a fully qualified mechanic
Does it change when you brake?
Sounds like you may have a leak which has contaminated your front left pads, get them checked proffessionally, it's free to get them check at some of the bigger garages
Definately the caliper. I was driving my Mitsubishi Eclipse and I had it happen to me on my front right. The brake pad got very hot and smoked too. Horrid smell.
yup, caliper sticking. look at your brake discs, you'll see the left one looks kinda blue in colour from being hot whereas the right should be a normal steel.

easy to sort out
I had an old ford once, and the pistons in the brake callipers tend to seize up

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