[V-16]

Actually Rims getting warm are quite understandable but if this warm becomes too too hot to touch either the rim or even the lug nuts, then there is a problem. I suppose the question asked here is for the latter.

There are a few reasons for the rim to become too hot.
One could start by check the brake discs and pads for wear. Sometimes the caliper slide pins could get jammed due to dust, grime etc. Also check if the pads are installed properly in case of a recent pad change.
A simple procedure should tell you whats wrong. (which you seem to have already undergone)

Remove the wheel and ask someone to push the brake pedal. In this case the rotor should not move. Now release the brake pedal. The discs should now move. Check the wheel bearings by Put your car on a Jack and then on stands and shake the wheel. Check for any kind of movement, horizontal or vertical.

If the heating was related to the brakes pads or bearings, one would positively hear some noise. Since you are hearing it it must be pad/rotor related.
I remember when I was driving on the Highway wondering why there seemed to be very poor pickup, it turned out to be a jammed piston on the brakes and my disc was red hot. This can be dangerous as it can lead to a tyre blowout with disastrous results.

It would be good to also check for any leaks in the exhaust but it should not effect both rims.

[rammishra]

Thanks a lot everyone for the useful input. I have already checked up all the things you all have mentioned and i could make out that my brake pad has worn out. But need to confirm once more whether my brake caliper is working or not which i will do on saturday. while searching for information on brake i found this useful link.

How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors Front Wheel Drive Cars

It certainly gives me confidence to try and service my front brakes myself. but still i would monitor once how my mechanic does it and thereafter i hope to do it myself.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by rammishra

hi all...
i own a alto VX and i have noticed that both front wheel rims are getting heated up. ...

We had noticed this in our Alto as well, and got it checked with the ABT guys : their verdict : this is perfectly normal. In fact it can get burning hot, and this is nothing abnormal. These are ventilated discs, so they will not "overheat" when the vehicle is moving.

So dont worry.

Just make sure that you dont hear any other unusual sounds from the front wheels.

Originally Posted by rohan_fonseca

Check for free movement of the wheel after jacking up the car...

Please remember when checking for free movement of the front wheels : this is Front-wheel-drive car, so the wheel movement will not be as free as in a rear-wheel-drive car. This is again normal.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by Modifiedsachin

...The rims were hot but could keep my hand over it for more than a second or so, so not too hot, but the rim nuts were too hot. ...

Once again, nothing out of the ordinary here.
This is happening due to the proable difference in material between the wheel and the lug nuts as well as the fact that the lug nuts are thicker (ie less surface area to dissipate heat) + closer to the brake discs.

Originally Posted by rammishra

....It certainly gives me confidence to try and service my front brakes myself....

Generally i am in full support of DIY, however, i would NOT advise people to attempt DIY stuff on brake components / braking system unless they have a lot of experience and understanding. Its simply too dangerous (possibly even thousands of kms later) in the chance that you do something wrong.

Originally Posted by V-16

... if this warm becomes too too hot to touch either the rim or even the lug nuts, then there is a problem.

I don't agree with this (blanket) statement Gogi, it really depends on the type of driving being done.

Originally Posted by V-16

... If the heating was related to the brakes pads or bearings, one would positively hear some noise...

You will probably also hear the faint metallic (like a metal scrubber on a pan) sound of the pad skimming the disc - which is fine.

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

....Please remember when checking for free movement of the front wheels : this is Front-wheel-drive car, so the wheel movement will not be as free as in a rear-wheel-drive car. This is again normal.

A good point there! Might help to put it in Neutral. Also for the rear wheel checks dont forget about the handbrake!

Be careful when jacking up the car (flat ground + handbrake/1st-gear).

cya
R

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

...Please remember when checking for free movement of the front wheels : this is Front-wheel-drive car, so the wheel movement will not be as free as in a rear-wheel-drive car. This is again normal.

Originally Posted by Rehaan

...A good point there! Might help to put it in Neutral. ...

of course, what I referred to is when the gear is in neutral : when in gear, I dont think we would be able to rotate it by hand (unless one is a super-human )

.

[V-16]

... if this warm becomes too too hot to touch either the rim or even the lug nuts, then there is a problem.

I don't agree with this (blanket) statement Gogi, it really depends on the type of driving being done.

Of course. I meant in normal driving conditions Rehan.
Of course, if you pelt the car, one can expext really hot rims.
My santro had no metallic noise or even a slight sound but the pads were worn out and my rotor damaged beyond repair.

I had to get new discs from Hyundai and i might add, they were expensive. There went my theory about the sound and brake pads being worn out. I suppose they might have worn out from some specific portion. I still am amazed at the silent wearing out. Weird!!