When taking off the wheel (in order to replace the axle with new CV joint, which it definitely needed), the nuts and whole metal part of the wheel was very hot. This is for both front wheels. I had driven only about 8 miles today so far. Since I'm a new "mechanic", is this abnormal, is it probably a function of a split and slightly noisy CV joint, or should I look into something else? (My brakes perform fine, could there also be a problem there?)

On a side topic, I have a 98 Sentra GXE, manual, which I just love but has a number of recently developped problems (CV joints, clutch, small oil leak, time to replace shocks); at 186000 miles is it worth keeping (most work, ie clutch, will need to be mechanic-done.)

Thanks!

well, it depends..do you Want to buy a new car?

and on your hot wheel note...whenever metal is touching metal, heat can be transferred...and this time of year, anything that may create more friction, plus the brakes, plus the heat....8 miles is more than enough to get them Nice and hot.