What happens if you put brake fluid in power steering fluid?

Answer 1

Not being a chemist, I'm not sure how the seals will react. I've heard stories about seal swelling problems when adding a wrong fluids to a system. I had tried an experiment, setting seals into different fluids to monitor swelling over a period of a week with no conclusive results. Since the fluids are different, you don't know how the properties aside from swelling will affect the power steering. Such as how well it compresses, viscosity and so on. I would flush the system this week if it was mine. pukenstein@aol.com

Answer 2

Nothing good. Brake fluid is usually much higher density hydraulic fluid as well as different type than is Power Steering fluid. In vehicles with ABS systems it will damage sensors and seals, and in any vehicle it will result in spongy, poorly operating brakes and damaged seals.

If you're lucky and haven't driven the vehicle yet, DON'T. DO NOT operate the brakes, you may be able to remove the power steering fluid before you cause this damage. Use a turkey baster (seriously, they're cheap), or a syringe or similar device to drain your brake fluid reservoir of as much fluid as possible, refill with proper brake fluid, mix it a little if you can and drain it again to be sure. Refill the reservoir. You may wish to consult a mechanic about whether to flush the entire system or not afterwards.

Alternatively, if the brakes have been used, you could be looking at a very expensive repair bill. As mentioned above, power steering fluid will damage sensors and seals, which means every part that has either or both, will need to be replaced or have the seals replaced, AFTER the brake lines have been flushed. If your mechanic has already told you this, trust him, he's right.

Answer 3

it wont hurt anything both are hydrloic fluid they both do basicly the same thing ive always used brake fluid because of the cost betwine the two infact in older fords if the seals in the tranny are shot ive put a pint of brake fluid in it to make the seals swell i got about 50,000 miles outta a tranny that was suspose to be shot

Answer 4

If you only put a very small amount then it will do no harm. If your put more than a small amount it will destroy the pump.

Answer 5

The power steering fluid will destroy the seals in the hydraulic brake system in a very short time. Take it to a garage now, don't wait.

Answer 6

Not a good idea. I would have the power steering system flushed. In the long term it may lead to premature pump failure.