Smoking wheel!!

31st May 2013, 23:29

Hello

I had smoke coming from behind the o/s/f wheel tonight and an awful burning smell. I pulled up and the wheel trim was alot hotter than all the others.

Just wondering if anyone knows what i may face at the garage tomorrow?

Sooooo here's a few more details :-

He is fine on low speed short journeys but have felt for a few days that something is just not right (not helpful but i can't really explain it). I don't have powersteering and i would say he's just felt more awkward!!

Although this is the first time i've noticed the smoke...it's the second time i've had the smell (About 5 days ago which was also my only other time on a dual carriage way!) but both times were accompanied with a decrease in accelleration...not wanting to go above 45.

He is a:-

W reg (2000 i believe)
1ltr (954)
basic and battered Saxo called Gus!!

Roughly 84000 miles.

2 months ago new front pads and discs.
2 weeks ago Complete new exhaust.
Yesterday new radiator cap

Any info (please) would be appreciated as i'm dreading what the garage may say!

Thank you

x

P.s i did search the forums for a thread like this but couldn't find one...so i hope this is in the right place

31st May 2013, 23:33

How's the breaks? Does it drift to one side when driving straight? Could be the calliper

31st May 2013, 23:36

Could be a stuck caliper as mentioned, not too sure but could also be drivershaft. Somethings definitely rubbing though if trims getting hot.

31st May 2013, 23:40

the brakes feel fine when it's cold but once it's all warmed up it definitely takes longer to stop.

The best way i can describe how he feels to drive is like it's a windy day

and now i think about i have to steer back to the left...is that a pulling to the right?

Thanks for the quick reply

31st May 2013, 23:41

Sounds very much like a sticking brake caliper/pad. By the sound of it that pad has got hot enough to glaze the surface. You will probably need new pads and disks both sides and maybe a new caliper for the side that is sticking (depending on what exactly is causing it to stick).

I wouldn't drive it at all if possible, get it transported or front end lifted. If you have to drive it to the garage go slowly and stop every so often to let the pad/disk cool off unless the garage is a very short distance away.

31st May 2013, 23:42

Yeah if your steering to the left to compensate for pulling then it is dragging to right, will be a sticky caliper on drivers side by sounds, and the smell is that of pads over heating and fading, hence why it takes longer to brake when warmed up.

31st May 2013, 23:43

Seems like sticky caliper! Making a brake stay on. Any warrenty on the discs and pads? As they should last more than a couple of months!

31st May 2013, 23:48

Thanks guys

Yeah i have a 2 year guarentee on the new brakes as i went for the dearer options.

The quick replies are hugely appreciated

My local garage is literally 5 mins away so will drive up slowly first thing in the morning

x x

1st June 2013, 10:24

If its not the brakes then look at the wheel bearing mate.

1st June 2013, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Summerbreeze

the brakes feel fine when it's cold but once it's all warmed up it definitely takes longer to stop.

The best way i can describe how he feels to drive is like it's a windy day

and now i think about i have to steer back to the left...is that a pulling to the right?

)

Soooooo. I'd say one stuck caliper, I'd have a look at both. You also mention brake fade: I'd replace the brake fluid as it's very likely to be boiled beyond hope. Now driving like on a windy day may also indicate that your shock absorbers could be shot.

Just have the pads replaced and fluid changed, then see what needs doing after that. If the car still feels like a boat in the wind: shocks. If it still steers on its own after that: get your alignment checked (free from ATS and others) and corrected if necessary.

Do the brakes ASAP before the disc overheats and warps, or you'd be looking at new discs too.

1st June 2013, 19:12

Thanks everyone

I took the car up this morning and they checked the calipers and condition of the pads and discs.
All was good apparently but, if i can, i'm to take it back up to them as and when it happens. I'm guessing this is good and tells me that any driving i may have done with a potential sticking caliper has as yet not caused any damage.

Thanks again and all info has been gratefully received.

x

2nd June 2013, 15:23

Caliper is definatey dragging. Either the pistons stuck or the pin is corroded that holds the pads in

2nd June 2013, 19:16

Thank you.

They did inspect it all on Saturday morning but nothing was showing so on Tuesday i shall run him up and down the bypass (that leads to my local garage) get it nice and hot and roll him in so they can see and smell what's going on!

x