I Poured water in the Steering Assisting tank.?

Question

I accidently poured water in the power assisted steering tank and was wondering if this can cause serious problems, i have not dirven the car since, and wondering what i need to do to solve this problem and isit safe to drive..?

Answer 1

Water in the power steering will kill the pump and the steering rack. Unfortunately, water is heavier than hydraulic fluid, and will sink to the bottom, meaning inside the steering box, so draining the reservoir will not be enough. You need to take this one to a professional to have it completely drained and refilled. I would avoid driving it at all, since you can't be sure that your power steering will always work - water can't take the pressure your power steering pump generates..

Answer 2

If you find a ride to your local Auto part store and by a hand syphon to syphon the fluid mixture out of the reservoir it should take care of the problem. The power steering is a high pressure fluid and when combined with water will cause a foam to start building up inside the power steering rack. The water will cause severe damage to the power steering rack causing seals to blow out which in turn will cause you to loose your power steering. Do not even start the car until you have removed the fluid. The water will float on the surface but make sure you remove all the fluid water and power steering fluid then add fresh power steering fluid then you should be fine after that.

Answer 3

The power assist steering tank contains a hydraulic fluid designed to run under extreme pressure. Besides causing a corrosive effect on the rack components, water will not withstand the pressures created in the system.
You will have to completely drain and flush the system, then refill with the specific automatic transmission fluid designed for your car, keeping an eye on the system for the next maybe five thousand kilometres, three thousand miles.