Classic Q&A
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QWhen I step out of my 1.8 Freelander 1, I can smell burning and it seems to be coming from a front wheel which, I noticed, was hot to the touch. Otherwise, the car seems to be running well. Is it the wheel bearings and, if so, should I replace both front wheel bearings at the same time? M Robertson
AIf the wheel bearing was defective there would be no need to replace the opposite side wheel bearing at the same time, though it would certainly be worth having the other side checked.
However, your problem is with the brake on that particular wheel. After applying the brakes, the pads should release and back slightly from the disc. In your case, the pads on that particular wheel are staying in contact with the disc and creating the heat you have noticed. You will need to fit new brake pads because the current set will be overheated and at risk of breaking up. They are also probably glazed, reducing their stopping efficiency.
The cause of this will be one of two things. Your brake has one piston which pushes against the inboard pad and moves the caliper on sliding pins so the outboard pad is equally pushed toward the disc. If the piston or the pins on which the caliper slides are partly seized, one or both pads will not fully retract.
When replacing the pads you will need to lever the caliper piston inward slightly and move the caliper carrier across a little to get the new thicker pads in. Just moving the critical parts in this way may clear the problem. However, the slide pins are often corroded or worn so, in this case it would be wise to check them.
Clean and grease the pins, or replace them if they have corrosion or wear. They are quite easy to do, and you can buy them in a kit with a sachet of lubricant to apply.
You should replace the pads on both sides of the axle, and check the guide pins on both sides, too. Nick Spearman