I may have screwed up

[PinkoCommie]

Taking a closer look at my manual today.

I have a feeling that when I topped up the brake fluid a couple of weeks back, I may have actually topped up the power steering resevoir with brake fluid instead :S

Should I get down to a garage and get it flushed out?

 

[DrR]

silly! Which bottle did you top up?

 

[Da]

Did you remove the engine cover because if you didn't then yes it was probably the PAS you topped up!
You need to remove the engine cover to access the brake fluid reservoir.

 

[PinkoCommie]

Bugger

Serves me right for doing things while tired and cold.

Now the important question is, how different is hydraulic fluid for power steering from hydraulic fluid for brakes? Will it screw my power steering? I's rather take the small hit now and get it down to a Renault shop and get it flushed than having to buy a new power steering pump/whatever 6 months down the line.

 

[Da]

It's probably screwed your PAS pump mate, this was covered a few weeks back but in that case it was water! I'll do a quick search and see what I can find.

 

[Da]

Have a look here mate.

 

[PinkoCommie]

Think I'd best get my car booked in to the garage then :dapprove:

On the plus side, after a little bit of googling, it seems that brake fluid and PS fluid are very similar beasts, so hopefully no permanent damage done, but we'll see.

 

[ditz]

they are both hyrdaulic oils - im fairly sure neither will have any affect on eithers seals, and as it will have been such a week concentration of brake fluid to the atf it should be fine
just drain and refill

 

[bmh.01]

I'd say you'll be ok if its drained and refilled too. Although how the hell did you miss the steering wheel logo on the cap?!

 

[clionoob]

PAS fluid is hydroscopic so it will absorb water, brake fluid is not to dissimiliar as it turns to water if it comes into contact with it, not to sure on how they will react with each other but its more than likely not going to be a good one!