2004 Disco S7, 138k. Just noticed today, after a short 10 mile trip. Left rear wheel is hot with a burning smell. Did not notice any difference in braking or brake noise could, it be the bearing is gone bad? What should I check? I'm going to pull the wheel off here in a minute to see if I see anything obvious.

 

Most likely a frozen/sticking rear caliper. The brake pads will be significantly worn compared to the opposite side.

 

Wheel is solid on the hub, so I don't thin it's the bearing. Pads look ok. Inner pad has about 8mm thickness outer pad 9mm. Caliper and piston though looking rather crusty. I think they may be original from 2004. Piston does not move easily using a clamp so I guess this is it. Can I get away with just replacing this caliper or should I do both on the rear?

 

Usually best to do both

 

You can just replace bad caliper. Pretty common problem.

 

Yeah, that's what I figured.

 

I only replace the bad one.

 

also check the sliders. When my passenger side hung up last year, it was the sliders that were frozen.

 

Had that happen once, Wheel heated up... Forgot about that until I saw Art H's post... Turned out to be the caliper pins also. Cleaned them up really well, and cleaned their holes which were also very dirty... Solved the problem

 

Had to do this yesterday on my passenger side rear brakes. Smelled like burnt brakes. Wheel was hot to the touch. One pad was slightly more worn. Pin was frozen in the bracket. Wrenched the pin loose. Cleaned it up. Greased the heck out of everything and reassembled. Problem is solved.