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Power Steering Fluid in Master Cylinder

TuKoolGTP

TuKoolGTP

New member
I can't believe I did a bonehead move and topped up the master cylinder with power steering fluid. Didn't realize it for 2 weeks. Once i realized what I did, I flushed the system with new Brake Fluid. But I assume it was too little too late.

So I think I am in for a brake system rebuild and flush in the near future.

4 Calipers
4 Brake Hoses
Master Cylinder
ABS Module

Any other components in the system with rubber seals? (98 GTP)
 


you dont need to replace any of that stuff. suck the res dry, re fill it, then flush and keep it full as you flush it.
 
That's exactly what I did, flushed all 4 corners.......

Research says if the power steering fluid was in there for any length of time, all rubber seals are contaminated and will eventually swell and fail. Just a matter of when.
 
it likely never left the master's res. id not worry bout it. brakes feel ok, carry on. save your money, unless you want to upgrade to f bodys and SS lines. putting new stock crap back on is just a waste of money.
 
I personally would flush the system with denatured alcohol to remove any trace of contamination and replace the master cylinder. You don't know what the oil did to the seals on the pistons. They may be fine. Or they may be distorted, swollen, soft, and ready to fail. A reman master cylinder is probably $50-100 bucks on RockAuto. Is your life worth it over a hundred bucks and couple hours of labor?

You just don't know. Everything could be fine or every seal and hose could be on its way out the door. I personally tend to be more conservative when it comes to the brake system considering the costs of failure! (I investigate accidents for a living and have seen enough brake system failures over the years to be a bit cautious and conservative in that regard.)

If there is any signs of brake failure, soft pedal, sticking caliper, hot brake, etc I would replace all the parts you mentioned.
 


I agree. There may not be any problems. But I don't like driving around wondering if/when/how they are going to give trouble or fail.

Leaning towards replacing parts over the Christmas holidays.

Which brings me back to my original question. Are there any other brake components with rubber seals?
 
4 caliper rebuild kits and probably $5-10 each
4 brakes hoses at $10-20 each
1 master cylinder $50-100
Check master cylinder cap
ABS hydraulic module (yikes) that one may be a bit pricey
Brake fluid, alcohol, and shop supplies $20

I think that's it.

You could always just pull the front left caliper and hose. Pull apart the caliper and see how the boot and seal look. Then inspect the inside of the hose. Any varnish, deposits, softening, flaking, brittleness, etc. Gives you an idea if you need to replace the system or just clean and reassemble and be ok.
 
Just a thought, why not pour some clean brake fluid in a clear jar, then add clean p/s fluid on top and see if they mix?? or hopefully p/s stays on top, then you'll know if it mixed or not?? My 0.02 ......E
 


cheatah faheatah said:
Just a thought, why not pour some clean brake fluid in a clear jar, then add clean p/s fluid on top and see if they mix?? or hopefully p/s stays on top, then you'll know if it mixed or not?? My 0.02 ......E
Click to expand...

OK, I was curious and p/s fluid floats on top of brake fluid!! It bobs right to the top, I even swirled it around really good and the p/s breaks down into little globs, but it settles back into a uniform mass on top...The More You Know! *
 
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