A worn-out wheel bearing can prevent your wheel from turning freely, adding unnecessary friction that quickly turns into heat. Your tires won't catch on fire — at least in most cases — but too much friction can leave your wheel exceptionally hot to the touch.

Is it normal for wheel bearings to get hot?

First, a wheel bearing should never be so hot that you can't put your hand against the hub face, or grease cap. ... If it uncomfortably warm to the touch at the wheel, the hub is too hot. 90% of heat induced failures in hubs comes from hot brakes, not bearings.

Do bearings get hot?

If one bearing is worn, it will eventually overtax another causing its demise. ... If lube lack or over lubrication is present, bearing wear can contribute to premature machine failure. All these conditions have one thing in common; they usually generate heat as an indication of a problem.