Fluid in wrong tank

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THEPHNX39
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I accidentally poured a little bit of brake fluid in steering reservior tank, what to do? About half a shot glass amount
Oct 4, 2012 at 9:02 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
it will swell the seals and destroy the ones in the pump and rack. drain the system, flush with power steering fluid and it will show the damage down the road


Roy
Oct 4, 2012 at 9:15 AM
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THEPHNX39
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  • 15 POSTS
How do i drain the system and flush power steering on my 2006 Grand Marquis
Oct 4, 2012 at 9:37 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
If you have not started the engine, this would be simple. Drain the reservoir with a suction device, remove the reservoir to clean it and reinstall. Top up with fluids and you are good to go.

If you have started the engine, that would be more complicated. You need to remove the reservoir, attach a hose to the return hose and start engine briefly to allow the pump to pump out the fluids.

Turning of the steering wheel is required and best done with front wheels jacked up.
Oct 4, 2012 at 11:43 AM
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