Hi all, hope everyone is well. Thank you for letting me join this forum. I recently went to help a friend look at a 2004 G35 Coupe with a manual transmission. It has about 99K miles on it, the seller is asking $6,500.

When I went to look at it, the car drove well. It handled tight, it shifted smoothly and stopped well. It was my first time driving an Infiniti, I was impressed!

However, there was one oddity. As the seller pointed out, there is an odd, oil-like substance on the outer rim of the front two wheels. It was black-looking and greasy. Admittedly, I have yet to come across this. I tried googling this a bit, and searching this forum and I have yet to come across much.

I figured I would come to the experts. Do any of you have some suggestions/guesses as to what that might be? If so, how problematic is this? How easily can it be fixed and what is the approximate cost?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I am looking forward to reading your responses.

 

Probably just someone with grimy hands, those coupes were never available with AWD so it's not a blown CV axle. Never seen a wheel bearing get grease onto wheels either.

Possibly some kind of wheel dressing they applied a month or so back??

 

Thanks for the quick response! Yeah I'm not sure. The seller mentioned that it happens after/during driving. Like it shows up, or leaks/drips onto the edges of the rims.

I messaged a buddy who has some familiarity with G35 Sedans. His first guess was an axle boot broke loose or brake lube or something like that? I'm just trying to mention everything I've learned in the past few hours about it lol.

 

You may want to advise your friend that before he spends $6500.00 on a seventeen year old vehicle he should spend $150 or so to have the vehicle inspected at a local Infiniti dealer. Have the dealer run the VIN number and compile the vehicle service history.
Any deficiencies found can be used to either have them corrected or lower the purchase price.

Just my $.02

 

My G35 sat for extended periods of time prior to my purchase.
There were a few grease spots on the inside of the wheel, and I would guess its grease that oozed out of the lower ball joints, as the boots are torn. No play in them yet, but I have a set that are going in this winter.

telcoman makes a good point, gaining as much history about a vehicle PRIOR to purchase is very important. CarFax is a great resource!

 

You are both right. I really wish I would have suggested a PPE. I was saying that is a necessity if pursuing one out of state, but we didn't think of that in the midst of the excitement for looking at this one. It's a bit late already. He agreed to a deal, which is exciting for sure. So I guess at this point I'm just trying to help diagnose it over the web until I see it in person again or until we can have him get it to a shop.

Again, thank you for all the tips and suggestions.