2011 burning smell FR wheel well

[robj80]

So my 2011 has been neglected a bit. It had two axles with torn boots and need brakes all around. The fiance said her car smells like it is burning. In hopes it was a pad issue or stuck slider pin on the caliper or axle grease being flung onto the hot exhaust I finally tackled the job.

The passenger side axle was a PITA. It was frozen in the hub then frozen in the bracket. But I got it done. The passenger caliper seemed ok except for the boot around the piston has seen better days. But it pressed in fine, the slider pins were good.

Now the fiance says she still has the burning smell. Car drives and stops great. No pulling to one side, no odd noises other than corroded heat shields rattling. I noticed the hub was pretty rusty but it spins smooth but does have a little resistance.

Anyone have any ideas as to what the burning smell is? That wheel was pretty hot too after a drive. So is it the caliper still or the wheel bearing or something else? Should I just replace both?

[Rogue Jarhead]

I had to replace the wheel bearings on my 2011 before I had 40k on it. There seem to be other complaints about Nissan wheel bearings so yours could certainty be bad.

If the brake slides are good it’s likely the bearings. I have an infrared thermometer that I can check wheels , rotors and hubs with, it works well to diagnose potential problems

[robj80]

Just following this up. I never did exactly pinpoint what was the issue. The old hub was really rusty and while I didn't see any play it was a bit gummy when spinning it by hand. The caliper definitely had a torn boot on the piston and was slightly firm to push in. I didn't think it pushed in too hard though. Because of this I replaced both. The caliper, bleeding, and hub took 1.5 hours total to complete.

The new caliper went on no issues. I gravity bled it first then with help did the pump method just to be sure. Braking is as good as ever.

The hub surprisingly was a cinch despite all the rust. Even the sensor came right out. I bought another one just in case but I am returning it. The four bolts unbolted easily with an electric impact. I was actually able to take one off with a breaker bar but figured if the impact fits I might as well use it. Once the bolts were out the hub was a bit stuck. I have a 5lb maul (wood splitting ax with sledge on back). A few whacks with that and it came right off. Everything went back together easily.

Went to test drive it and the vehicle wouldn't start. I knew the battery was going. I finally got it to start so drove straight to nissan for a new battery. I found nissan sells the cheapest batteries around here. I had them install it while I waited in the car. Because I had a coupon for the battery with installation it was actually cheaper to have them install it instead of me doing it.