Brake Fluid In The Power Steering

iamhistory · January 25, 2009

Hey All,

First post for me. I looked for a site like this to get some input for those who know more than me about a 97 Chevy Silverado. Brake fluid was accidentally used to top off the fluid level in the power steering reservoir and I need to know what type of problems that will cause and how to fix the situation before anything major happens.

I figure on removing all the fluid and putting clean ps/atf fluid in but what can I expect from the brake fluid being in there. The truck has been driven about a week with no ill effects. I found out about it and told them to stop driving it and I'd get the fluid changed at least. From there, I need some advice.

Thanks very much!

iamhistory

txab · January 25, 2009

Some people have used brake fluid in P steering pumps to seal leaks. Brake fluid can cause seals and gaskets to swell. I'd get it outta there as soon as possible. How was this mistake made?

MarkD · January 25, 2009

I've seen it happen before. just change it asap. Brake fluid is much more corosive than power steering fluid.

iamhistory · January 26, 2009

How was this mistake made?

An elderly neighbor of mine grabbed the wrong bottle by mistake. His truck was squealing and I checked it for him and determined his ps fluid was very low. I didn't have any on hand so he put it in himself later on. He showed me what he put in and it was DOT 3 brake fluid.

I can see how he made the error........I was in Wal-mart today to get various fluids and the brake fluid and ps fluid are side by side in an exact look alike container except for the label that says power steering or brake. It's misleading if you aren't familiar with the stuff. He is up there in years and just made a mistake.....could have happened to me if I weren't paying attention. You'd get a laugh out of some the mistakes I've made when having a brainfart.

I got some new fluid, cleaned everything out of the reservoir for him, put new in and flushed that out as well. Then put some Prestone ps fluid with conditioning agents in it, whatever that means. Can't see any signs of damage on the outside......nothing making any noises, steering seems fine. We'll see.

iamhistory · January 30, 2009

Well, we are approaching a week since I changed those fluids over for my neighbor and there doesn't seem to be any lasting ill effects from the brake fluid so far.

I've driven the truck as well and I can't detect any blatant problems.

So far so good. I figured there would be problems by now if there were going to be problems. It's been over two weeks since the brake fluid was initially put in and almost a week since I took it out.

I feel like he can rest easy and won't experience any issues.

Zembonez · January 30, 2009

Well, we are approaching a week since I changed those fluids over for my neighbor and there doesn't seem to be any lasting ill effects from the brake fluid so far.

I've driven the truck as well and I can't detect any blatant problems.

So far so good. I figured there would be problems by now if there were going to be problems. It's been over two weeks since the brake fluid was initially put in and almost a week since I took it out.

I feel like he can rest easy and won't experience any issues.

Should be no harm done since you changed it. I bet all is good.

pennzoil29 · January 30, 2009

Well, we are approaching a week since I changed those fluids over for my neighbor and there doesn't seem to be any lasting ill effects from the brake fluid so far.

I've driven the truck as well and I can't detect any blatant problems.

So far so good. I figured there would be problems by now if there were going to be problems. It's been over two weeks since the brake fluid was initially put in and almost a week since I took it out.

I feel like he can rest easy and won't experience any issues.

Should be no harm done since you changed it. I bet all is good.

C & A s Dad · January 31, 2009

This is not nearly as bad as putting PS Fluid in the Master Cyl. Just a few ounces of PS Fluid in the Master Cyl and every rubber in the brake system will swell up like crazy. This mistake is not seen as much as when Hydraboost brakes were first used but it still happens. People see the Power Steering line running to the Hydraboost unit behind the Master Cyl and they think that PS fluid must be used to top off the Master Cyl.

They won't do it but once.