Rear Wheel Heats Up and Smells

[Lincoln]

My wife’s car is a 1995 Ford Mustang with the 3.8L v6. It recently started making an awful smell after a short time driving. I made the assumption that the caliper was sticking and replaced the caliper with no success as a solution to the smell problem. In addition to the smell the driver’s side rear wheel gets tremendously hot. A couple of months ago rear pads and rotors were replaced. About a year ago the seal behind the yoke on the differential started spewing oil everywhere and was discovered when the car started making a bit of a slight rubbing sound. The seal was replaced and differential refilled with high quality gear oil. I am unsure whether the culprit is the differential or the axle bearing.

Thanks,
Lincoln

Topic

[Lorrin Barth]

Another possibility is a stuck parking brake cable.

[Lincoln]

I tried unhooking cable and it makes no difference. rotor is getting super hot to the point it smokes.

[John Hugon]

I would click these links, they are very well done, which in my opinion will lead you to the proper diagnosis and repair.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car

One other thing I’ll add…make sure the differential vent is open…if obstructed it will cause seals to leak.

[Rob megee]

Just an idea, If you have an infrared thermometer you could shoot the rotor near the brake pads then closer to the bearing hub and see which one is hotter. You might see enough of a difference to guide you where the issue is.

[Author]

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