Fine grey film of dust(/oil?) on front (but not back) tyres after 600 miles - is this normal?

[ship69]

Hi

After c.600 miles, there is a film of fine grey dust (and oil??) on my front wheels (but not really on my rear wheels. Is this normal?

I only noticed it because my front (alloy I think) wheels are no longer shiny whereas the back ones still are.
It comes off very easily with a finger - a bit like a dry-wipe whiteboard.

I am worried about either an engine oil leak or exhaust leak or brake pads jamming on etc. But I cant see why any other source of grey dust would only affect the *front* not the back wheels.

With thanks

J

 

[shab_the_man]

Hello
I would suggest having a closer look at the wheels and see if you can identify a leak?
Also keep an eye on the fluids for excessI've consumption. More brake dust on the front is normal as the rear brake Pads use less pressure but some dust should be present.
However I would not expect any oil on the wheels.

 

[ship69]

> I would suggest having a closer look at the wheels and see if you can identify a leak?
You mean an air-leak? In which case the dark dust is what - rubber?

J

 

[shab_the_man]

No I mean behind the wheel for brakefluid or a split cv rubber boot. Either can leave oil on the wheel.
It could just be brakedust. I would also give the wheels a good clean and then monitor them

 

[Dan Robinson]

I would suggest brake dust.... my grooved discs and green pads are terrible for it.

 

[ship69]

Yikes - on closer inspection, one of my two front tyres (the one with the worst 'dust' on the wheel) does have a slow puncture!

J