What Causes the Front Wheel Hub of a Car to Overheat?
2 Answers
Car front wheel hub overheating is caused by excessively tight or abnormally worn bearings, or high brake drum temperature. Driving should be discontinued when the front wheel hub overheats. Below are the specific causes and solutions for car front wheel hub overheating: Excessively Tight or Abnormally Worn Bearings: Excessively tight or abnormally worn bearings. Hub overheating may result from bearings that are too tightly assembled or inadequately lubricated. Excessive temperature can cause the lubricating grease inside to melt and leak out, affecting braking performance. In severe cases, it may lead to bearing burnout. If the wheel hub bearing malfunctions, it may cause noise, bearing overheating, and other symptoms, particularly more noticeable in the front wheels, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as loss of steering control. The consequences can be severe, so the car should be taken to a repair shop for maintenance and regular servicing. High Brake Drum Temperature: The temperature of the brake drum is influenced by ambient temperature, driving speed, frequency of braking, vehicle weight, and road conditions. If the brake drum temperature is high, you can lift the front wheels of the car, then rotate the tires and apply the brakes a few times to test the flexibility of the brake return. If the tires do not rotate smoothly, it indicates a problem with the brake drum, and the car should similarly be taken to a repair shop for maintenance and regular servicing.
On the way home, I noticed the front wheel hub was unusually hot, which got me wondering what was going on. Typically, this could be due to the brake system—if the brake caliper is stuck and not releasing, the brake pads and rotors will keep rubbing, transferring heat back to the wheel hub. Alternatively, the wheel hub bearing might be the issue, with worn-out or insufficiently lubricated ball bearings causing heat during rotation. Incorrect tire pressure is another concern; too low or too high can cause wobbling at high speeds, leading to instability and increased heat in the wheels. Suspension system problems, like a faulty shock absorber, can also cause excessive movement and friction in the wheel hub. I immediately pulled over to inspect it, realizing I shouldn’t delay. I quickly contacted a repair shop and also checked the engine oil and coolant to ensure the car was in good health for a worry-free drive.
