'99 Camry CE

Hello,

I hope this is too stupid of a question. I have a '99 Camry CE and I was wondering what it means when there is a lot of black greasy dust stuff on my rim/hubcap area. I know this is from the brakes which have been changed in the last year but I was just wondering if this is something I should worry about. It is only on the passenger side.

Thanks

If it is only on the passenger side (not both sides) and if it really is greasy, I would worry. There should be some black brake dust there, especially if the car isn't washed regularly, but it should be on both front wheels. Also, it should be dry black dust, not greasy.

I would definitely have someone with more knowledge look at it and inspect the brakes for excessive pad wear on that side. It could mean a seized caliper or seized slider pin(s). Also have it inspected to see what is possibly leaking there. You could have a brake fluid leak there from the caliper or the brake lines. Do you have a good independent mechanic that you can trust? If not, I would take it back to whoever did the brakes.

Mike

My money's on a leaking CV boot. The fact that it's only on one side doesn't necessarily mean there's a brake problem. But if oil or grease is getting to one of the wheels, that will trap the brake dust (on one side).

I would NOT take it back to whoever did the brakes. If it's a siezed caliper and they missed it, would you want them to fix it now? And if it's a Midas-type shop, I wouldn't trust them wish axle repairs.

If you've got a general repair shop you trust, take it there.