smart Car

grease showing up on front wheels

I wash the car and wheels and after several days the front wheels are covered with thin layer of brake dust (i consider that normal) but also streaks of grease? It happens in all weather conditions and has done this from 25000 miles up to current 32000 miles. It is not brake fluid so my guess it is wheel bearing grease. since the front axle, bearings, hub and steering frame are all one unit apparently without any way to service the bearings I'm stumped. Help appreciated 2009 Passion

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Permalink Reply by Ptero yesterday

Next time you pull off the highway, touch your front hubs and see how hot they are.

If they're not hot, don't worry about it.

If they're hot, go to your dealer and scream your bloddy head off.

I got 42k and no problems.

Okay, one more thing, seriously, If your rear drum brakes go out of adjustment, you will be using just the front discs.

That's dangerous and the front hubs can get so hot you might melt the grease.

You didn't drive around with your parking brake on like a big dummy, did you?

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Permalink Reply by L. Close yesterday

Thanks Ptero, I'll take to my mechanic on Monday and check for hot wheels before and check rear brake also. My nearest dealer is 75 miles away so will try my local mechanic. I restore old cars so have some mechanical talent but front axle/spindles of smart are so sealed it is hard to diagnose. Talked to dealer service dept and they say they have never had front bearings fail except in accidents. And I'm 71 so you were wise to see if i had left the park brake on but No it's off. also I have no noises or vibrations that I'm aware of in wheels etc.