Is it bad...

[Explorer94]

I was driving around in my 94 Explorer for about 45 Min. When I parked my car to wash it right after I got home, I spryed water in the front rims smoke started to come out from the brakes and dark black dust/dirt came out from behind the wheel. What does that mean? Is it bad? Thanks

[kok328]

That wasn't smoke, it was steam and the black dust/dirt is what we call "brake dust". Brake dust is caused by the wearing of the brake pads against the rotor. The brake dust is a normal condition however, I suspect that you have a more noticeable amount as the steam coming from the rim (the rotor would have been a more acceptable condition) is an indication that your brake caliper is stuck. You may be noticing a pull to one side in the steering and maybe poorer gas mileage.

[Explorer94]

Originally Posted by kok328

That wasn't smoke, it was steam and the black dust/dirt is what we call "brake dust". Brake dust is caused by the wearing of the brake pads against the rotor. The brake dust is a normal condition however, I suspect that you have a more noticeable amount as the steam coming from the rim (the rotor would have been a more acceptable condition) is an indication that your brake caliper is stuck. You may be noticing a pull to one side in the steering and maybe poorer gas mileage.

Actualy I think the rotors a to thin (thats what the mechanic said to me if I remember correctly) maybe that contributes to the steam? I don't know for sure but I'm going to check it for myself.