White smoke from rear drum/hub

[mbrooks]

After a run in extremely hot weather on Saturday, I noticed some smoke coming from the rear left of the car [BN2]. After it cooled I could smell that the smoke had b een coming from the drum/hub. I stripped it down and found a horrible mess of grease/oil/brake just around the inner rim of the brake drum. I have decided to replace the hub seal and gasket [a job I did on the other side not long ago] since there was evidence of the gasket leaking where the half-shaft flange bolts to the hub.

My question is - has anybody else had this white smoke from the drum/hub? I would not have thought that grease/oil/brake dust would have produced smoke. BTW the brakes were not binding and were working fine.

Thanks

Mike Brooks

 

[Dave Russell]

[ QUOTE ]
I have decided to replace the hub seal and gasket [a job I did on the other side not long ago] since there was evidence of the gasket leaking where the half-shaft flange bolts to the hub.

My question is - has anybody else had this white smoke from the drum/hub? I would not have thought that grease/oil/brake dust would have produced smoke. BTW the brakes were not binding and were working fine.
Thanks Mike Brooks

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Mike,
Couple of thoughts:
It's surprising how well the rear brakes can work when the shoes are oiled.

Leaking brake fluid or axle lube could cause white smoke if the brakes are hot enough.

The half shaft gasket leak would indicate that the gasket itself was a problem & not necessarily the inner hub seal.

We have been through the drill for replacing the gasket, spacer ring seating, & such. I would carefully check the brake wheel cylinder for leaks & try replacing the outer gasket first. I guess you can do the whole works as you did on the other side. I think we also discussed cleaning the brake shoes.
D

 

[mbrooks]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for response. I feel more comfortable that my upcoming fix will do the job. I agree that the seal may be alright, but it would be just my luck to replace the gasket and not the seal, only to have to go back in again!! I am committed now anyway, because I had to destroy the old seal to get it out. The whole job is now stripped down and cleaned ready for the new parts. The job was much easier after having done the other side, with your advice of course.

Rgds

Mike Brooks