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Topic: Smoke from rear wheel (Read 418 times) previous topic - next topic

Smoke from rear wheel

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.  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. 
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #1 –
Please call me.  Rudy Legett
7 one 3. 8 one 8. 3234
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #2 –

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.
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Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #3 –
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.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #4 –
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 .   

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #5 –
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.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
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Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #6 –
+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.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #7 –
My guess is outer axle seal. Did it have a grease smell? Gear grease has its own odor and you can't miss it.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #8 –
I couldn't pick out the smell specifically.  I just hope whatever it is that it doesn't hurt too bad.  >:(
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Smoke from rear wheel

Reply #9 –
Quote from: craneman –
My guess is outer axle seal.

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.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320