Help, I have just got home from a short drive and smelt that something was wrong! I located the source of the burning smell to the left rear wheel on my MY00 Turbo. The only thing I really noticed (it was dark!) was that the alloy wheel was really quite hot to the touch. The right rear wheel, by comparison, was not.

I have not noticed this before. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be. I am guessing either brakes or wheel bearings, but I am fairly non mechanical :-(.

What should I do, I'm sure it wasn't like this even yesterday!

Many thanks in advance,
James.

 

Could be something as simple as metal on metal. You may have worn all the material off of one of your brake pads and now you have the backing plate trying to weld itself to the brake rotor.

Did you notice any difference when braking? I've only ever done it once on one of my old cars and the wheel was hot as the proverbial, probably boiled the fluid and the rotor was stuffed, not to mention the severe pull to the left when braking (this was a front brake)...

Cheers
Brett
MY00 (Aust Spec)

 

Thanks for the reply.

Well its the rear wheel and I have noticed no sounds or adverse braking effects. It has also just passed its MoT (British vehicle annual check) so it *shouldn't* be a bare pad! I will have a better look in the daylight.

 

probably handbrake shoes then. they stick on imprezas. does on mine - so i have to heave the level up fully, before letting it down quickly - this seems to stop it. usually gives 1 a rotation squeek if they stick as you stop or pull away.

take the wheel & claiper off (2 bolts!) & have a look if there is loads of dust it'll be rubbing!

Steve

 

Yes, ditto the handbrake binding but if its not that then I'd look into the wheel bearing.

Tim

 

I used to have a sticky caliper on my front wheel. The brakes would feel OK, but the wheel would be glowing !

After a short trip, it would cause the car to pull, but I don't think you'll notice so much on the rear.

Should be easy to tell if the wheel is stiff to turn when jacked up... (though this could, of course, be other damaged parts).

You should be able to retract the caliper fairly easily if its not stuck ....

Mark

 

Had more of a look tonight, although couldn't work on it, it was far too hot! :-)

One thing I could see is that there was a lot more brake dust (I assume anyway) compared with the wheel the other side. I think that does suggest handbrake sticking or a pad broken or something.

Gonna jack it up tomorrow. Will post findings.

Cheers for the help so far.

 

Definately sticky calliper if there is loads more brake dust.

 

Right, I got it jacked up and took it apart :-). The handbrake was fine, if a little squeaky. So looked more at the normal brakes. The pads were really unevenly warn.

Still not really sure what the problem is, but gave it a good clean and put it all back together, it has been fine so far with no overheating, and I've done over 300 miles since then!

Cheers,
James.

 

Sounds like a binding handbrake, or siezed rear brake caliper.

metal on metal would (should) squeal and give you lots of dust.

Jack the car up, let the handbrake off, put it in neutral (bricks or similar each side of front wheels and try and turn the hot wheel.

If its bearing related, you'll get some free play in the wheel.

My guess is binding brake.

D

[Edited by Diablo - 4/11/2003 4:19:47 PM]