Jim---In normal stop and go driving, the lug nuts can get very warm,
even when nothing is wrong with the wheel bearings, or the brakes. If
it's the lug nuts from both of the wheels, it's likely heat from the
brakes. If it is only from one wheel, there could be a sticky brake
problem and should have showed up by the car pulling to one side. Did
it?
To check, jack up the wheel(s) in question and spin it, to see if
there's much of a drag. Compare it to the other side, if necessary.
Usually when a wheel bearing starts to go bad, it will melt the grease
around it, and will leak out of the grease cup. It's easy enough to pull
the outer bearing for inspection. Use a good magnifying glass to see if
the chrome on the rollers are pitted. Replace and/or repack.
If the bearings and their races have grease and look good, the brakes
retract and let the wheel spin, it could be as you said~just being
overcautious. Always pays to check on these beauties.
Dick
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