What Causes a Car Wheel to Overheat?
2 Answers
Possible causes include excessively tight or abnormally worn bearings. The wheel hub is located at the innermost part of the brake drum, specifically the axle head where the bearing is mounted when disassembled. Overheating of the wheel hub (axle head) is generally caused by overly tight bearing assembly or inadequate lubrication. Excessive temperature can cause the internal grease to melt and leak out, affecting braking performance, and in severe cases, it may lead to bearing failure. Additional Information: The wheel hub bearing is a critical component of a vehicle's running gear. It plays a vital role in reducing friction resistance during chassis operation and maintaining normal vehicle movement. If the wheel hub bearing malfunctions, it may result in noise, bearing overheating, and other issues, particularly more noticeable in the front wheels, potentially causing dangerous situations like loss of steering control. Therefore, wheel hub bearings must be regularly maintained.
Once after driving, I noticed the rear wheel was so hot it could fry an egg. An immediate check revealed the issue was caused by seized brake pads, which had stuck to the brake disc, generating intense heat through friction. This is quite common, as frequent hard braking in daily driving or corrosion of the brake caliper piston can lead to this problem. It's crucial to remind everyone not to overlook this—overheated tires can damage the wheel hub, cause blowouts, or even lead to spontaneous combustion, especially during long summer drives. A simple self-check method is to touch the wheel hub after parking; if it's noticeably hot, visit a repair shop promptly to inspect the brake system and bearings for proper functioning.
