Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes *Put power steering fluid in brake fluid!!!!!!!

I have a friend that put power steering fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.

Will this cause the brakes to seize because they have. Any suggestions I could give to him?

Any help would be appreciated!

The vehicle is a 1992 Tahoe.

Suggestion: Don't let him work on his vehicle ever again.

I'm guessing he is in for some major problems!?

Flush ALL the brakes IMMEDIATELY.

Best case scenario is the amount a PS fluid was so small it didn't hurt anything.

Worst case scenario is he put in a significant amount of the fluid and drove like that for a while and needs most parts related to the braking system replaced. (ABS unit, M/C, hoses, calipers)

At the very least he will need a new master cylinder. Oil based fluid, such as power steering fluid will cause the type of rubber used in brake system seals to swell, and either jam up, or leak, or both. I highly recommend taking hte car to a reputable mechanic to replace the master cylinder, and any other adversely affected component, and perform a very very thourough flush of the remaining brake system.

I went to take the cap off the brake resrvois and the seal inside was already swollen. He had to get a tow truck and move the vehicle because the brakes completely froze!

Thanks for the help.

Tell your friend he is a complete moron. They don't put the fluid stats in the owners manual for nothing.

And the fact that PS fluid is RED and Brake fluid is CLEAR. It was probably black in his case though due to lack of maintenance.

I hope he has some money to spend to fix it. All brake components with rubber seals must be replaced, ie master cyl, brake calipers, brake hoses, possibly ABS pump motor and valves, etc. Then the hard lines need to be flushed 1st with a cleaner (alcohol works well, not the drinking kind) then with water, then with air. Once that is done and all the rubber components are replaced and the system is filled with BRAKE FLUID your friend will have a safe brake system again. Short cutting this by only replacing some components is pointless the PS fluid residue will remain in the original components and will contaminate the system bringing you right back to square one. Have fun.

Well- I believe you all were right!

He already got his truck back and everything but the ABS pump was replaced. Some local shop did the work for him.

I can't believe it was that quick.

Anyways, I appreciate all the help and informtion given!