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"Hot Metal" Smell from Rear Left Wheel

Tiny
VANQUISHEDAGAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO
  • 86,000 MILES
My car's rear left wheel emits a burning metal smell (like if you left a metal pot on the stove with no water) after driving. The wheel is very hot to the touch but the other side rear wheel is also very hot.
I thought it was a stuck brake caliper but the car will move fine in drive at idle and the brake pads appear to have plenty of life left in them. I'm not sure if this is related but my car seems to experience a lot of vibrations at 40+ mph (but that could just be the roads since it doesn't always happen) even though I just had my alignment done and wheels balanced.

I've taken the wheel off and inspected the rotor and it doesn't appear to be damaged at all (at least the side I can see).

My car has 4 wheel disc brakes.

My car is a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero XLS
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 11:53 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check for grease from the wheel bearing which means you'll have to take the rotor off. Pic included yours will be similar
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
VANQUISHEDAGAIN
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  • 4 POSTS
I have 4 wheel disc brakes (I know the rear have drum in hat for the parking brake) but that diagram appears to be for drum brakes.
Thanks
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Like I said it's similar check where the arrows are for grease
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
VANQUISHEDAGAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok, so without disassembling the rear drive shaft assembly?

Am I checking to see if there are leaks? Or lack of lubrication.

Or do I have to take apart the assembly (including taking the rotor off)

Thanks!
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
No just look for grease from where I've pointed out no need to disassemble unless youfind some
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
VANQUISHEDAGAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I found no grease at any of the arrow points. I tried to get the caliper off the rotor as well but I was unable to free the bolts that hold it on. I sprayed them with penetrating oil (protecting all hoses from the spray) and will attempt to get it off again tomorrow.
Thanks
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If there wer grease there you would see it so dont' bothe puling it off
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Thursday, April 18th, 2013 AT 3:31 PM

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