Front wheels getting hot to touch

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Stihl011

Stihl011

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ive been driving around my car around town, just a few miles. When I get back, the grease caps feel pretty hot. Doesn’t seem right to me, but both fronts are doing it, from what I can tell the (drum) brakes aren’t on (they spin about as freely even if I loosen them until the adjuster wheel comes out.) They don’t seem to spin super freely either. They maybe make it 1/2-3/4 the way around by themselves after I spin them by hand. I’ve got lots of grease in them. Is this normal? Any other ideas? Bearings not making any noise.
 
Dang that's a tough one to diagnose over the phone. LOL I would loosen the adjusters a bit. I adjust them to the point where I hear a little drag but not constantly. I like the wheels to spin freely 2 or 3 turns. Check and re-adjust your bearings so they aren't too loose or too tight. A flat on the nut either way can make a difference.
 
do you know how to pull the hubs and repack the bearings? because it's also the only way to inspect everything.
 
People with drum brakes actually drive their cars? Maniacs!
 
been down this road before with my front drum brakes.....mine ended up being deteriorated flexible rubber hoses.....even though they may look good on the outside, fluid is not returning properly when you leave off the brake pedal and brakes were staying on slightly.....
 
jos51700 said:
People with drum brakes actually drive their cars? Maniacs!
Click to expand...
Yep we do. My 66 has 4 wheel drum with the single reservoir master. I can lock up all 4 when necessary. I should put a dual on for safety though.
 
If you can hold onto the bearing cap longer than about 5 seconds it may be normal.
You might be surprised how much heat the friction from stopping the car creates.
 
I was taught by my old man to adjust drums so you can spin one revolution. Probably wrong but it has worked for decades for me. Dragging brakes will cause the rim to get hot too although they are all pretty much the same part heat wise. The spec on a wheel bearing is 90 in/lbs. Which is about a half a flat past finger tight (20-30 degrees) .
 
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