2006-08-01 09:29:20 · 16 answers · asked by Alexander 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
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
2006-08-01 09:32:36 · answer #1 · answered by Vulcan 1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-01 19:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Power steering fluid is a lubricant and will ruin your brake system. If you have not driven the car, you should be able to disconnect the lines at the master cylinder and pump the brake petal to force the PS fluid out. Once that is done, refill with brake fluid and repeat. After that you should be able to fill the master cylinder and be fine. If you have driven the car, you will have to bleed the brake system and refill with brake fluid. Neither one is a huge job.
2006-08-01 09:44:40 · answer #3 · answered by united9198 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have your brakes flushed immediately or you are going to have a serious problem. Power steering fluid will mess up every one of your seals. Be careful of driving it until you find out if the damage has been done or if it wasn't enough to hurt it. Don't waste time getting the system flushed either!
2006-08-01 09:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by synchronicity915 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Power steering fluid will cause the rubber parts in your brake system to swell up. Flush out the PS fluid with mineral spirits, and just to be safe, change your brake hoses.
2006-08-01 09:54:08 · answer #5 · answered by Harry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are both hydraulic fluid so you won't destroy the whole system like some of these people said... you still need to have it flushed and filled with the proper fluid ASAP though.
2006-08-01 09:34:59 · answer #6 · answered by Mike Hunt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will eat your brake system
the master cylinder, calipers and brake cylinders.
power steering fluid will eat all the rubber in the system
have fun fixing that
2006-08-01 09:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will hurt nothing. if the question was reversed, you would have a problem. brake fluid is corrosive...not power sterring fluid.
maybe the people who answered above need to consult more experienced people for their own cars than Walmrt.
2006-08-01 09:35:29 · answer #8 · answered by John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. Drain the master cylinder and refill. The two fluids are not compatible
2006-08-01 09:32:36 · answer #9 · answered by bobsled 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The car will turn when you step on the brake. Better flush it. to be safe. probably OK if only an oz or so
2006-08-01 09:35:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋