Grease on back side of wheel and brake drum 1997 F-150

I have noticed my left rear wheel has been getting dark over the last
few weeks, so I checked and there is grease all over the inside of the
wheel and the brake drum. Would I be correct in guessing that the wheel
bearing and seal need to be replaced, or could there be anything else
to check. The wheel does not make any unusual noise while driving.

Thanks!

wrote:
> I have noticed my left rear wheel has been getting dark over the last
> few weeks, so I checked and there is grease all over the inside of
the
> wheel and the brake drum. Would I be correct in guessing that the
wheel
> bearing and seal need to be replaced, or could there be anything else
> to check. The wheel does not make any unusual noise while driving.
>
> Thanks!

Make sure it's really grease and not brake fluid- could also be a
leaking wheel cylinder (the brake fluid mixes with the brake dust and
creates a reasonable facsimile of grease) In any case it's probably
one or the other, and you'll want new rear shoes as well.

If it is a leaking seal, check the bearing before ordering a new one,
it may not be bad if it's not making any noise although you may simply
feel better replacing it on principle which I understand.

nate