Power steering fluid in brakes

[waynedear]

Just had a phone call from a mate, I mentioned to him a couple of weeks ago that he needed ps fluid, you could hear it on lock, he actually bought some.
Tonight he noticed a headlamp bulb out, got one from a garage and changed it, he thought to himself “I’ll top up the ps fluid while I’m here........
Yup, in the brake reservoir, he has realised, driven home and rang me, thinks maybe 100ml.

1/ Will I very soon need to flush his brakes.
2/ Tell him not to drive it.
3/ Tell him it’s f****d

[jpr1977]

As ted Rodgers would say

3 -2 -1

I'd reverse the order and flush the system before the PS fluid attacks the brake seals...

[welshpug]

not likely the PS fluid has made it as far as the calipers, unless its been bled, I'd be inclined to empty the reservoir then try a fresh fill and bleed.

other thought is where did that 100ml of brake fluid go to need topping up?

[waynedear]

Oct 10, 2019 21:05:52 GMT welshpug said:

not likely the PS fluid has made it as far as the calipers, unless its been bled, I'd be inclined to empty the reservoir then try a fresh fill and bleed.

other thought is where did that 100ml of brake fluid go to need topping up?

If you saw the state of the car and his total lack of interest in it mechanically (I have offered to service it if he gets the bits and I’ll do it for a few pints) you would understand.

[chris y]

Definitely try to get the PS fluid out of the reservoir first, then if you can disconnect the pipes at whichever point the PS fluid hasnt reached yet and bleed to there first, even if its disconnect the hoses at the calipers. Hopefully avoid any of it ever getting to the calipers, its sure to already be in the master cylinder so push a load of new brake fluid through it in the hope of removing all of the PS fluid.

[waynedear]

Good job I have a large syringe, easybleed and plenty of brake fluid

[colnerov]

Oct 10, 2019 21:05:52 GMT welshpug said:

not likely the PS fluid has made it as far as the calipers, unless its been bled, I'd be inclined to empty the reservoir then try a fresh fill and bleed.

other thought is where did that 100ml of brake fluid go to need topping up?

Hi, Probably the pads have worn down. As said empty the reservoir, change the pads or push back the caliper pistons, then empty that out and refill.

Colin

[bmw2101]

for example ate 200 is £12.99 delivered on ebay for 1 ltr, will do all of my e39 easily, just get him to buy it and its all good again!


i cant comment if any damage has been done, but id suggest highly unlikley...

[waynedear]

Thanks everyone, he is bringing his car over at weekend, I’ll sort it