Screen Wash in Power Steering! :(

bex88

Between me and my mum, managed to do something very silly.

The Story:
I noticed on the way home from work my windows were caked in crud, splats, smears etc. I tried to spray them but the screenwash had run out.

When I got home I turned the car off and went to prepare the screenwash and water mix (about 1 part wash and 19 parts water as recommended for the current weather on the bottle)

I took the jug out to the car and lifted the bonnet. Looked around for a while thinking hmmm which one it it now...
I saw a dirty yellowish container on the right upper side under and took the lid off. I wasn't sure, so I went and got my mum. I asked her and she looked around and said hmm it must be that one then as the other container was coolant.
She started to pour it in and it quickly filled with a reddy pink liquid.

She said "Oh no that's not right!"

Waited for my stepdad to come and he said "you've put it in the power steering fluid part!"

He got a tube and sucked it out so it wasn't overflowing and he said we'll have to keep and eye on it.


I'm abit worried about it and have been reading it up online that others have done the same (In exactly the same car lol Renault Clio) and they were told they ned it fully flushing out by a mechanic. Money which I don't have

The car hasn't been turned on, but now I'm not sure if it will be ok or not.

Joe_Horner

If it was syphoned out without starting the car you'll almost certainly be fine - it won't have mixed down into the pipework. So empty the reservoir and top up again - with power steering fluid this time!

Rolandtheroadie

If the cars never been started since it was done (steering used), and your stepdads empted the power steering part completely then topped it up with new fluid, I'd just use the car as normal.

bex88

Thankyou for your replies, that sounds promising! I'm not sure how much he siphoned out but I don't think it was the whole resivoir. I'll ask him tommorrow after work.

Thanks

EDIT: Actually, does turning the key 2 clicks (engine not running) but to test screenwash out, count? Cause I did do that.

Rolandtheroadie

Wouldnt think so, you would need to turn the steering wheel to get the fluid to move through the system.

roddydogs

If its ok sell the car quick!

Joe_Horner

bex88 wrote: »

EDIT: Actually, does turning the key 2 clicks (engine not running) but to test screenwash out, count? Cause I did do that.

No, the engine has to be running to pump any power steering fluid through the system.

vaio

water or rather water & screenwash mix will sink in the system (oil floats on water) so I'd be tempted to drain the system and flush through with fresh power steering fluid.

muddyl

Youll need to drain it.
The hydraulic fluid used for the power steering is a hygroscopic fluid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopy, meaning it absorbs water and totaly changes its behaviour.

Damaging the pump WILL cost more than getting it flushed. It should not be a long job so costs shouldnt be that high. Took half an hour to change a pump and refill last week.

Id advise towing it to a garage (contact them first for a price) or getting a mobile mechanic to come to you.

A replacement pump, depending on age and model of car can be anywhere from £50 to roughly £300 on Clio's.

Dont drive it and start circulating this fluid. Dont risk it.