I try to wash my 02 MCS once a week at Auotbell or hand wash. Towards the end of the week I find a a greasy film like oil or something with brake dust covering the front wheels, but not the rear. I expect some brake dust, but this looks as if something is leaking from the hub itself. I plan to put the car on jack stands and pull the wheels soon, what should I be checking for?

 

Do you have an aftermarket foam air filter by chance? Did you re-oil it recently?
Other than that, could be a few things.
Smell it. See if it smeels like oil. If not, maybe tranny fluid? Possibly coolant?
Sorry I can't narrow it down, there are many possibilities.

 

The car is completely stock. It seems like it is coming from the inside of the wheel. It's coolant, I just had the system check and flushed when I had the fan replaced last week. It doesn't seem to be brake fluid, I checked the fluid resevoir and it wasn't low. Could it be bearing grease from the hubs? I may ask the dealer next week during the oil change that's due. It' got me by the short ones.............

 

Is it on both front wheels? Have you looked under? Could be your CV Joint boot or boots. If both wheels, are you sure it is more than just brake dust?

Do you or does the wash place spray any tire shine on your tires?

Any drips or puddles under the front when you park?

YD

 

There are no stains or puddles under the car. I plan to check the boots when I get it on the jack stands. It looks almost like black paint dripped on the wheels.

 

Since you have an 02 and you mentioned the black oil look, I would guess CV boot....

 

You didn't say one wheel or both. A good under car inspection should show the problem.

YD

 

Thanks for all the input.........I now have some good ideas as what to look for.