What To Do When You Notice a Burning Smell From Your Rear Wheels?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

Rear wheel hot and burning smell is a common problem encountered in vehicles. This is usually caused by a brake pad that has worn down too much and is rubbing against the wheel. The heat generated from the friction causes the wheel to become hot and emit a burning smell. It can also be caused by a buildup of debris, such as rocks or dirt, that gets trapped between the brake pad and the wheel. If left unchecked, this can lead to further damage to the wheel or even cause an accident. In order to address this issue, it is recommended to have the brakes inspected and replaced if necessary.

Automobile: Rear Wheel Hot and Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from a car’s rear wheels can be a sign of a serious issue. It is important to determine the cause of the smell in order to avoid further damage and repair costs. Common causes of burning smells from the rear wheels include tire damage, brake damage, wheel bearing failure, and exhaust leakages. Other possible causes include misaligned suspension components, worn out differential gear oil, and loose belt or hose connections.

Diagnosing the Cause of Burning Smell in Car Rear Wheels

When diagnosing the cause of a burning smell coming from car rear wheels, it is important to start with a visual inspection. Check for signs of tire wear and tear as well as condition of the brake pads and rotors. If there are any signs of fluid leakage, such as differential gear oil, then further diagnostic tests may be required. These tests could include scanning for fault codes or electromagnetic testing of wheel bearings.

Repair Options for Burning Smell in Car Rear Wheels

Once the cause of the burning smell has been determined, it is time to look at repair options. For tire related issues, patching up the tread area or replacing the entire wheel assembly may be necessary. Brake repairs may involve replacing components such as calipers or rotors as well as inspecting brake lines for any damage or leakage. If wheel bearings are found to be an issue then they should be replaced with new ones that meet manufacturer specifications. Lastly, if exhaust leaks are identified then these should be sealed off using appropriate materials and techniques.

Brake Repairs or Replacement

When your car rear wheels start to emit a burning smell, it could be a sign that the brakes need to be repaired or replaced. To remedy this, you may need to replace the brake pads and rotors, as well as make adjustments to certain components of the braking system. If the problem persists after these repairs, then a more thorough investigation may be necessary.

Wheel Bearing Repairs or Replacement

A faulty wheel bearing can also be the cause of a burning smell coming from your car’s rear wheels. To fix this issue, you may need to grease and adjust the wheel bearings, or completely replace the assembly if necessary. It is important to remember that replacing just one of the bearings might not solve all of your problems, so make sure you take care of all four of them at once.

Exhaust System Repairs or Replacement

The exhaust system is another potential source of a burning smell from your car’s rear wheels. To address this problem, you should inspect for any exhaust pipe leakages and replace any damaged muffler parts if necessary. This should help to get rid of any unwanted fumes and reduce the risk of fire hazards associated with such leaks.

Suspension System Repairs or Replacement

If your car has uneven suspension components, then this could lead to a burning smell from its rear wheels as well. To tackle this issue head on, you should ensure that all suspension components are properly aligned and free from faults such as worn-out struts and shocks or broken springs. Replacing these parts can help to restore your vehicle’s performance and prevent further damage in future.

Prevention of Burning Smell in Car Rear Wheels

Aside from repairing and replacing existing parts, there are also ways to prevent a burning smell from occurring in the first place. Regularly checking for wear and tear on your tires can help keep them in good condition for longer periods of time; likewise ensuring that they are properly inflated with the right amount of air pressure is essential for avoiding any hazardous situations down the road.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the common causes of burning smell in car rear wheels?
A: Common causes of burning smell in car rear wheels include tire damage, brake damage, wheel bearing failure, exhaust leakages, misaligned suspension components, worn out differential gear oil and loose belt or hose connections.

Q: What are the diagnostic tests for burning smell in car rear wheels?
A: Diagnostic tests for burning smell in car rear wheels include visual inspection of tire wear and tear, brake pads and rotors condition, differential gear oil leakage, scanning for fault codes and electromagnetic testing of wheel bearings.

Q: What are the repair options for burning smell in car rear wheels?
A: Repair options for burning smell in car rear wheels include tire repairs or replacement such as patching up the tread area and replacing the entire wheel assembly; brake repairs or replacement such as replacing the brake pads and rotors and adjustment of braking system components; wheel bearing repairs or replacement such as greasing and adjustment of wheel bearings and replacing the entire wheel assembly; exhaust system repairs or replacement such as repairing the exhaust pipe leakages and replacing the damaged muffler parts; suspension system repairs or replacement such as alignment of suspension components and replacing faulty struts, shocks, springs.

Q: What should I do to prevent burning smell in car rear wheels?
A: To prevent burning smell in car rear wheels, you should carry out regular checks for tire wear and tear with proper inflation pressure. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all other components associated with your vehicle’s brakes, suspension system, exhaust system are functioning properly.

Q: How frequently do I need to check my tires for wear & tear?
A: It is recommended to check your tires regularly at least once every month to ensure that they have adequate tread depth to provide sufficient grip on wet roads. Additionally you should also check your tires’ inflation pressure once a month to ensure that they have adequate pressure levels that can improve fuel efficiency while providing increased safety.

In conclusion, the rear wheel hot and burning smell is a common issue in automobiles and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as brake system issues, transmission fluid leaks, bearing wear, or an obstruction in the exhaust system. It is important to have the issue professionally diagnosed and repaired by an experienced technician as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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