I just saw todaty a black area around the grease cap on the front rotor of my pinto.I guess grease has been leaking out but why.I had the wheel bearings on that side adjusted about 6 months ago I dont remember if they repacked the bearings or not though. Its very blackish all the way around the outside of the hub for about a half an inch from the cap. Could it have been over greased or is it the bearings maybe too tight and getting hot?

I have read your topic a few times & have been trying to figure out anything that might be of help.

One thing I would recommend is to jack up the front wheel & spin the wheel to see how it spins. It shouldn't be too tight or too loose. Also grasp the wheel from top to bottom & see if it has any play. Any play might indicate a worn bearing. When it spins listen for any noise. It should spin with no noise.

Now one thing to consider is after driving the car go to the wheel and feel it. Compare it to the other wheel. If it feels any hotter it could indicate an issue. Also smell. If you have a scent of burning grease it could indicate it is too hot & is buring the bearing up.

How old are the bearings on the car?

 Thanks both of you at least I know Im not an idiot but I sdhould have thought to CAREFULLY feel it after I drive for a while. I remember one time I looked through the wheel and saw what looked like a score in my rotor and what happened when I felt it with my finger. Im NOT going to do that ever again.

 Now that I think about it I have head a squeak on that side lately and thought it was the door or something on or near the door. Maybe ill just go get the bearings changed and repacked somewhere I can be sure theyll do it right,and use the right type of grease who knows what that craigslist mechanic guy used.

 Do you expect if I take it somewhere decent, they can tell if theres anything else going on in there by visually inspecting it all? I have changed rotors and wheel bearing myself on my Pintos but Im just not in the mood maybe Im geting old or just dont want to be all greasy right now lol

 I called a couple of places today and one mentioned concern over the spindle maybe being bad.  Ihope not and I dont really feel theres any reason to suspect there is. I think I might avoid that place.

That's what happens if the dust cap is slightly bent. There is a lot of grease at the end of the hub most likely, it gets hot, gets a little more runny and if the dust seal is bent at all (from a shop pulling it off) then it leaks out slightly. Pull the cap off (and hub if you want to check the bearings and re grease), make sure it's round, clean off cap and hub, use a little RTV around the dust cap and tap back on.

Bring your old dust cap in to an auto parts store and buy a new one. When your there get an exhaust fitting that fits the cap and use the fitting as a tool to hammer it home.Easy fix.