I made a silly mistake.I have a 1998 Dodge Durango. I put about maybe 5 tablespoons of Powersteering fluid in my master cylinder. A friend of mine told me that it would not do anything but now my front brakes have locked up on me, is the caused from me putting in the powersteering fluid. It is not the calipers because the Mechanic that I normally have work on my car lifted my truck and said that both front brakes are locked, not just one. He drained the line and refilled it but it is still doing the same thing. I'm a single mom who trys to check my fluids all the time myself and made a big mistake. Can you please tell me why my brakes are locked and what I have to do to fix it and if it is going to be costly? Please help me, I'm desperate and scared that I will not be able to afford to fix my mistake. Help me with my Locked Brakes....PLEASE!
2007-11-04 09:37:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You will need to replace or rebuild the calipers. The power steering fluid had most likely caused the seals to swell and the seals are blocking the free movement of the pistons in the caliper! I would recommend that you replace the calipers and pads. If the brakes are locking, there is a good chance that the pads will be glazed, and the rotors may also need to be turned!
Have the entire brake hydraulic system flushed. Have the rear brake cylinders inspected, and if there is any sign if swelling in the seals there, have them replaced also.
You are looking at a couple of hundred dollars to repair this. Brakes are important!! Do not try to shortcut the repairs! Your life and the lives of others can be at risk if your brakes do not work properly!!
2007-11-04 10:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Where did you get you Knowledge from. Brake fluid is non petroleum based. As all other fluids are. The rubber components in the brake system are of a more pliable rubber. Once in contact with petroleum (like power steering fluid. The rubber will swell and deteriorate at a fast pace.. Learn your facts before such a foolish comment.
2014-12-30 00:21:03 · answer #2 · answered by Shop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at the very least the power steering fluid has swelled the seals in the master cylinder.anything but brake fluid will ruin the rubber components in the brake system. after replacing the master cylinder you should flush ALL the lines on the truck. with any luck that's all that got dammaged. if caught in time the ps fluid doesn't have time to work it's way through the whole system.
2007-11-04 09:52:58 · answer #3 · answered by bad4tigger 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You have got some of the dumbest answers I have ever heard in my life! Power steering fluid won't hurt your brakes in any way and neither will automatic transmission fluid, either one will work just as well as brake fluid! Only gas will lock up your brakes, think about it if only your front brakes are locked up then why aren't the back brakes locked up too? The plunger in the master cylinder must be stuck or the rubber that pushes the brake fluid must be stuck or something like that! Good Luck
2007-11-04 14:46:09 · answer #4 · answered by book writer 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
You asked this question earlier, I will copy and paste the answer again in case you missed it. Just because you ask it again doesn't mean it's going to be cheaper than before. Anyways : As others have stated any brake part that has rubber will need to be replaced. 2300 dollars sounds like a good guesstimate to me as I have seen this in my shop several times over the years. As far as the poster that gets fluid all over the engine, I wouldn't want him doing my brakes that's for sure. I always open the bleeder screws when pushing caliper pistons back.
3 hours ago - Edit - Delete
2007-11-04 10:01:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you will need to replace the master cylinder and front brake hoses (rubber) and calipers, the power streering fluid contamated the system and caused the rubber componets in the system to swell, and you brakes are locking up due to this. the fluid is not flowing in the lines. averge cost of repair is between 500 to 900 dollars US. sorry for your luck boss.
2007-11-04 12:24:14 · answer #6 · answered by Jesse B 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you were having the mech look at it, did you ask what was the cause? He should have been able to give an estimate of repairs at the time.
2007-11-04 09:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by Otto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋