Any idea what's causing this brown-colored build-up on the front wheels of my 2000 Grand Marquis? ?

Question

This car is a low mileage car with only a little over 32k on it. Lately I've been noticing that the front wheels get this stuff on them. It rinses off under water pressure at the do-it-yourself car wash. This doesn't happen on the back wheels.

The wheels are the silver-colored ones that need no decorative wheel covers.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Most likely heavy brake dust as the stock pads tend to do that. It also could be road oil that sometimes runs onto the wheels when you are driving around. Just wax your wheels to keep the dirt from sticking to it in large amounts...

Answer 2

It's brake pad dust.

Answer 3

Brake pad dust. Go get them checked when you have your oil changed. DO NOT  have the oil change place do your brakes. They will charge you for parts you don't need or change them before it's needed. Learn to break more gently. Factory pad sometimes do this more than others.  

Answer 4

i have a 1996 bonneville ssei and i have gray rims so here it goes when you park your car overnight rust collects on your rotor so when you stop your rotors throw off the rust mixed with brake pad dust (bot in small amouts that is why its suddenly happining)collects on your rims.....

try a different brake pad and rotors. p.s. your front wheels do 80% of your stoping

Answer 5

Brake pad dust or dirt.  

Answer 6

"JC Daughter :)) . Steve M." Had to Change things E-mail for more info. Lose All Contacts, Hope to hear from you.

Build-Up is Brake Dust and a Bear to get off sometimes. Need to Soak rims in Soapy Water and scrap off "LIGHTLY" with a Paint Scraper or Butter Knife.

Answer 7

it,s probably brake dust. if it,s brake dust, you can,t stop that, just keep spraying them off.