Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: stevej on April 02, 2024, 05:59:32 pm

Title: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: stevej on April 02, 2024, 05:59:32 pm
We spent the weekend at a campground and brought our 2007 Nimbus back to storage this morning - about an hour's drive.  I didn't notice any different about the handling, but there was a burning smell when we stopped, and a small amount of smoke was coming from the driver's side rear wheel. 

* Seemed to be more from the drive wheels and not the tag. 
* No wear seen on the tire itself, and I wouldn't say it smelled like rubber. 

I haven't had a brake drag before, so I'm not sure what that would smell like, but I'm still thinking it's related to that brake.

Here's a short video (https://youtu.be/Zg_57y4_2vw).  As you can see, it's just a small amount of smoke, but something that needs addressed.

Pulling those wheels is beyond what I want to tackle.  I'm located 20 mi south of downtown Houston.  Looking for some advice as to what it could be.  If it's brakes, I assume I need a mobile tech.  I assume I have the Bendix ADB air disc brakes?  Are these the ones that require the special grease and helper springs?

Right when I think I have my battery project lined out, I get another issue. 
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: Rudy on April 02, 2024, 06:10:46 pm
Please call me.  Rudy Legett
7 one 3. 8 one 8. 3234
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: dsd on April 02, 2024, 06:44:19 pm
Looks like ride height may be to low. I probably should restrain say much about you coach i know little about, but if you have clearance then a cheap pyrometer would show you what the disc temp is. I never roll without it.
Amazon.com: Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun 774, Digital... (https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Thermometer-774-Temperature-Accessories/dp/B0B71HFH9K/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1FEM57P6KJIDX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nvQ4ral4-T_qaTNE2Qb7HWrF-faGzim8fuxV5HXUZUEHF-oD3dsCn8jXf_q2eR_ok4V76_TdsASMuWW5N2YSNlEVOZv6M9ICCHEkMF2SNZjA6AEmP0gtAa2Dx5vGTiidH03g6_rnM_j-PRuZmFKCDOmZoaC_FpKUwA8D_vwPm8R3DXnZTTteo8dOfc6nGvUE3fGkYYMRyYQtzKDUA_VysYfK-ib4dF0FC2t_uoCVR9U.vJKHenRIHHtyalMFncsfCB7ey4NDeFx8JLfs4aykLIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=pyrometer&qid=1712097832&sprefix=Pyrom%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-5)
Once you know what it is for sure will lead the direction you go
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: stevej on April 02, 2024, 07:11:58 pm
Thanks - I spoke with Rudy and got contact info for a mobile guy.  @dsd - I'll get be sure to order a temp gun - I was wishing that I had one.
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: Protech Racing on April 02, 2024, 09:36:29 pm
You can do a walk around after a short run and simply touch the wheel caps. They should match. The fronts should be warm after a mediu m stop.  The rears will be warmer due to drive and brake heat disbursement.  Both sides should be the same ,warm to hot  to the touch .  But should not burn your hand .   
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 04, 2024, 11:54:18 am
I swear by a tire monitoring system. I would get one. It measures the temperature as well as the pressure. But I also have a laser temperature as well. Rubber burning sounds like your tires are hitting something just like happened to me in Arizona a couple weeks ago.
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: stevej on April 04, 2024, 01:00:14 pm
+1 on the TPMS.  I have one, but there were no elevated temps.  The smell was NOT rubber and I didn't see any signs of the tire rubbing, though I didn't crawl in and look at the inboard side of the inboard tire.

I'm getting lined up with a mobile truck tech to come take a look.
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: craneman on April 04, 2024, 02:27:08 pm
My guess is outer axle seal. Did it have a grease smell? Gear grease has its own odor and you can't miss it.
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: stevej on April 04, 2024, 02:54:44 pm
I couldn't pick out the smell specifically.  I just hope whatever it is that it doesn't hurt too bad.  >:(
Title: Re: Smoke from rear wheel
Post by: Michelle on April 04, 2024, 03:37:34 pm

Scanning the forum on symptoms of drive axle seal leaks, several folks noted the fluid visible on the back side (inboard face) of the inner dual.  Might be worth checking for.