Heat coming from wheels

[hit26k]

For the past two days I've noticed a heavy burning/over-heating smell coming from the wheels. The first night it was coming from the rear-driver side and the next day it was both front and back passenger wheels. Today it was the rear-passenger.

I just had my car lowered on Tuesday with prokits from my old hatchback. Is this a coincidence or does this have anything to do with the springs I had put in? My car is only two and a half weeks old and is completely brand new.

Im guessing my best option is to take it to the dealer but what do you guys think it is something serious?

Thanks,
Hit

[Noisy Crow]

If it were the rear only I would suggest a stuck parking brake.

I would start by taking the car back to where you had it lowered and have them check that they've installed everything correctly.

[3GFX]

Most likely your brakes. I'd take it to a shop asap, but you'll know if its your brakes very easily. Next time you go for a simple drive without being hard on your brakes when you park get out and spit on the brakes. If the spit bubbles and boils off instantly your brakes are dragging. If not it could be something else like a bearing or some rubbing somewhere. Whatever you do don't touch the brakes as they are hot.

[hit26k]

Thanks for the advice. I just got into work and checked again after I parked. This time the heat was coming from the front passenger wheel. I'll have the guy who installed my prokit take a second look otherwise I'll be phoning the dealership to have them look at it.

[m_bisson]

How cool would it look to be driving around with flaming wheels!!!!!

[hit26k]

Update:

The guy who installed my springs said he couldn't see anything wrong with it. I will be taking it in tomorrow at the dealership, hopefully its just the pads and nothing related to the springs.

[cwp_sedan]

I would say e-brake or seized caliper if it was just one wheel or whatever but if they are random...not sure.

[froggy]

it's not like a burnt rubber smell is it? If it is it could be a sign that the tire is rubbing somewhere. Do you have stock wheels?

[hit26k]

it's not like a burnt rubber smell is it? If it is it could be a sign that the tire is rubbing somewhere. Do you have stock wheels?

It sort of smells like burnt rubber but it's hard to tell, and yea I'm still running the stock wheels.

[3GFX]

Its most likely the pads, I think the springs are a coincidence.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

When my e brake stuck it did the same thing.

Did the same thing right after I did my brakes too, however never in the front. It should be fairly easy to diagnose for a dealer.

[hit26k]

So I just got back from the dealer and they coudn't find anything wrong. The service guy told me everything is in mint condition. He did notice that my rotors had some overspray from the caliper paint and said that it could be that or possibly the undercoating of the vehicle. He also told me that if the smell continues, then I should bring it back for another inspection. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

One thing to note is that I had Simply Tire do my calipers last Saturday and didn't notice the smell until Tuesday, would the caliper paint really cause a smell?