Terrible noise from rear left wheel.

[Magice]

So a few days ago my 1994 325i (that I have had for 2 days) has started making a very nasty sound on the rear wheel. Here's how it started.

I was taking my friend for a quick cruise in the car, just a little 5 mins down the highway. I started smelling a burning smell which got worse and worse. When I pulled to the side one of the wheels was billowing tons of smoke from inside of it. I can't confirm this, but the ebrake might have been on while driving (it doesn't hold at ALL / hasn't). Anyway, a day since then the same rear wheel that was smoking has made a sound that has gotten worse and worse over the days. It sounds like a groan/squeek 2 times per revolution of the wheel. It goes up with speed, and down with speed. It isn't effected by RPM or braking.

The car also pulls to the right noticabley.. put it might be the control arm also, which needs replacing.

That particular disk does feel noticeably warmer than the others, and the caliper stinks VERY strongly of brakes for a long time after driving it..

The car is very low and I haven't been able to figure out how to jack it up.. Tried a few hours and couldn't get lift arms under it properly.


YouTube - grants cars noise

The car has been sitting for 8 months before I started driving it this week.

Any suggestions / ideas? the sound is LOUD and it's horribly embarrassing to drive it.

[german-speed-demon]

first off, should have bled the brakes, next sounds like a bearing toasted, also chances are brakes are sticking a bit or a warped rotor is giving you fits.

as far as lifting it goes, best thing to do is drive it up on 2x4's and then lift from those.

[Magice]

Also, it doesn't make the sound while going into reverse.

Do you think if it is the wheel bearing that it would be DIYable for me.. I haven't really ever worked on cars before, but I understand he principles to it, and can follow instructions.

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

sonds like your Ebrake... (seven does the same thing)

[marti5]

Firstly, I would say its your brake and not the bearing, sticky caliper and now you've warn the pads out hence smoke, disc hot because friction and caliper hot due to heat from the friction.

I would say dismantle get the caliper greased up and working properly and a new set of pads.

[jmo69]

Definatley brakes. These should cover about everything you'll need.
Pelican Technical Article: E-Brake Adjustment
Pelican Technical Article: Replacing BMW Brake Pads
Pelican Technical Article: BMW Parking Brake Shoe Replacement