White Smoke from Wheel Wells

[bluedevil30]

My 2009, M35X has 110K miles. Been raining very heavily the last few days and I have ben driving through it. Stopped my car today and notice white smoke coming from both rear wheel wells. Seemed whiter than steam with a slight odor. E brake seems to be off. Also noticing slight car vibration at around 40 mph. Could this be a brake issue or something worse?

[frapjap]

Howdy!
When do you see the white smoke? When the car is running? After a drive? After its sat all evening or after work?
Could you tell us where you're from?

Threes a good chance that the smoke is just steam from the exhaust pipe contacting the water from the wet road surface and burning off. Check to be sure by seeing if the same smoke occurs after the car has sat all night and before you drive anywhere and report back your findings. If you're getting the smoke/steam before the car is driven anywhere on wet roads (though unlikely) you might have a bigger problem.

[Extreme Dimensions]

Could also be steam from the rotors burning any water off if they got wet. if they continually got really hot and then wet they might be slightly warped, which might explain the vibrations. We do need more information to help out.

[bluedevil30]

I live in NJ. Temp swings have been crazy in the last 2 weeks ranging from 5 - 55 degrees F along with periods of heavy rain. The problem is noticeable after I drive. No smoke coming from the engine. Having brakes checked to tomorrow. Thanks!!

[svard75]

That sounds like you have seized calipers.

[bluedevil30]

That sounds like you have seized calipers.

Bingo! Right rear caliper seized. Having a both replaced.

Cost $550 at tire store chain vs. $1,100 at dealership