I noticed a burning plastic smell the other day and discovered that my plastic lockout **** had melted.When i arrived at home i jacked up the truck and everything seemed fine with the wheele bearing and the brakes.I cannot figure out what made the lockout that hot! Since then i have driven the truck about 200 miles with no problems at all.The only thing i can figure is that mabey i had the brake pistons stick and it all heated up?Im going to replace the stock lockouts with an aftermarket pair (warn) I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

 

My first guess would be a bad/un-lubricated wheel bearing. If you're brakes were rubbing enough to melt your hub lockouts, then you would have noticed it driving, not to mention your front rotors should be pretty well glazed over and pads almost non-existent . When you replace your hubs make sure to repack your wheel bearings.

 

I would suggest that you tear into the front and repack the bearings, don't forget the spindle bearings, while you're in there maybe replace the axle U joints also. While you are putting it back together put a good graphite lube on the caliper slides.

Toyman

 

I usually make a point of feeling the hubs with my hand after the truck has been on a long high speed drive. I do the same with the rear drums. If one of them are warmer than usual--I would check and see what is going on.

Did you check the temperature of your hubs after getting out of the truck?? Are they warm at all??