Why Are the Rear Wheels Particularly Hot?
2 Answers
Reasons for the rear wheels being particularly hot are as follows: Rotation Issues: Manually rotate the inspected wheel several times to check if the rotation is smooth and if there are any unusual noises. If the rotation is not smooth and there is a friction sound, it indicates an issue with the braking system; if there is no noise but the rotation is uneven and intermittently tight and loose, it suggests a problem with the bearing. When these abnormal conditions occur, the wheel hub should be disassembled for inspection. Braking Issues: Inspection of the braking system. Typically, when inspecting the wheel hub bearings, the wheel braking mechanism is also checked. If there are oil stains on the inner side of the tire, it is likely caused by leakage from the brake wheel cylinder or brake fluid line, which should be addressed.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade and seen plenty of cases with overheating rear wheels. Most likely it's a brake system issue, like a stuck brake caliper or poor brake pad retraction. Think about it - if the brake pads don't release and keep rubbing against the rotor, the temperature will keep rising. Another possibility is overloading - when the rear wheels bear too much weight from cargo, the increased friction between tires and road surface also generates heat. Last time I hauled a load of steel, I experienced exactly this - when I stopped, the wheel hubs were burning hot to touch. You should immediately check if the brake caliper pistons are rusty and verify tire pressure. Safety first - get to a repair shop ASAP. Overheated wheels can lead to blowouts, especially on long hauls, so be extra careful.
