uh oh! what happens if i accidentally put power steering fluid in my brake system ?
How long did it take for things to start going wrong if this happens? I had the same happen but my neighbor who did my brakes (he's a small motor mechanic) just topped off my brake fluid with a small amount of power steering fluid. I drove the car like 300 miles before I found out only because I saw the bottle he used. the inside of the brake fluid cap is swollen but so far no issues. I had the fluid pulled out with a suction gun and replaced. the only thing I can think is that it was such a small amount it was diluted and never got into the line. Wouldnt something have gone wrong by now after over 300 miles of driving since it happened?
Do not EVER put power steering or transmission fluid in a brake Master Cylinder. Power steering fluid is petroleum based, and will cause every rubber part in your braking system to deteriorate. If you have not driven the vehicle, IMMEDIATELY flush out the braking system with denatured alcohol. Even then, it may be to late. I have had the sad duty to inform more than one confused and upset driver that he or she now must spend 1000 or more dollars to correct this problem. This is the worst thing you (or most likely, a shade-tree mechanic) can do to your brakes. If your system is contaminated, the least you can get away with replacing is: 1: Master Cylinder 2: all flexible brake hoses 3: Calipers and/or wheel cylinders 4: possibly (though not always) proportioning and measuring valves. Make sure the steel brake lines are flushed out with denatured alcohol. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you simply cannot substitute ps or trans fluid for brake fluid. It is possible to put brake fluid in your power steering system with no ill effects, which is where this confusion started.
it's hydraulic oil it shouldn't hurt it if you just put a very little amount PS fluid will not hurt the seals If it would you wouldn't have power steering cause it has all kinds of seals in the power steering system It all boils down to different additives in each system for different uses. LIKE easy flowing of fluid(PS) Thicker fluid for Better cooling(Transmission) Thinner fluid and high temperature rating(Brake Fluid) etc. Brake fluid has a higher boiling point For long term braking transmission fluid or power steering fluid could risk a fire in large amounts
