Can I use brake fluid as power steering fluid?

Can I use brake fluid as power steering fluid?

There are many different types of fluids used in cars, each with its own purpose. It may seem tempting to use these different fluids interchangeably, but is it a smart idea?

In this guide, we’ll explain both power steering fluid and brake fluid, and show you the big differences between the two. We’ll help you find legitimate alternatives to power steering fluid, and tell you what to do if you accidentally use brake fluid instead of power steering fluid.

Can I use brake fluid as power steering fluid?
No. Brake fluid is very different from power steering fluid and the two fluids should not be used interchangeably. Adding brake fluid to a power steering system or vice versa can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. They are intended for use in their respective systems only.

If brake fluid is added to a power steering fluid reservoir or vice versa, the system must be drained and refilled with the correct fluid to prevent damage and/or accidents. What is power steering fluid? Power steering fluid is mineral oil based. It acts as a lubricant between metal parts, but is also necessary for pressure transmission.

This fluid helps to apply the necessary pressure to the hydraulic pistons. This fluid makes the wheels turn smoothly when you turn the steering wheel. What is brake fluid? Most brake fluids are glycol-based. Although it provides some lubrication, it also absorbs moisture to prevent corrosion. This fluid helps apply pressure from the brake pads to the rotors, which allows your car to stop when you press the brake pedal.

Power steering fluid vs. brake fluid
1. Composition
Power steering fluid is petroleum-based. Gasoline is also petroleum-based, but the composition of the two fluids is not the same.

Brake fluid, on the other hand, is usually glycol-based. You may have heard of this ingredient because it’s in some antifreeze mixtures.

2. Heat Control
Power steering fluid acts as a pressure transmission medium and also acts as a lubricant for metal-to-metal parts. This fluid absorbs heat but maintains the same viscosity, resulting in reliable performance.

Brake fluid is not needed to lubricate parts in the same way, but it does have some advantages.

• It mainly absorbs moisture to prevent corrosion.
• It also dissipates heat while maintaining the same viscosity.
• It has a high boiling point so your brakes won’t break down or become spongy.

3. System Compatibility
Power steering fluid is required for your vehicle’s dynamic steering system. Using it in a braking system can damage rubber parts.
Brake fluid is essentially a non-lubricating fluid. Using it in a power steering system will cause damage and vital parts will not get the protection they need.

Power Steering Fluid Substitutes
If you’re out of power steering fluid and in trouble, you may be able to use automatic transmission fluid. The two have similar compositions, so some manufacturers allow them to be used interchangeably. However, always read your owner’s manual before replacing one fluid with another.

Power steering fluid is not used as much in vehicles as transmission fluid. For this reason alone, manufacturers bottle the two in different bottle sizes and different packaging. Unique packaging allows manufacturers to offer the fluids at different prices.

What should I do if I use brake fluid as servo fluid?

If you accidentally add brake fluid to your power steering reservoir, you need to take action immediately. Following these steps will help prevent major damage:

1) Do not start or drive the vehicle. It is important to prevent brake fluid from circulating through the power steering system. This will prevent damage. If you do not start the vehicle, all of the brake fluid will remain in the reservoir.
2) Open the servo fluid container.
3) Use tongs to remove the fluid from the container first. Be sure to pour it into an appropriate container.
4) Raise the front of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands.
5) Move the steering wheel left and right. You should see more and more liquid going into the container.
6) Use the baster to continue to remove all the liquid that comes out.
7) (Optional) To be safe, you can drain the entire system. Disconnect the low pressure line to the system. Drain the fluid into a suitable container.
8) Continue turning the wheel to drain more fluid.
9) Fill with new servo fluid and drain again. This procedure allows you to drain any fluid remaining in the system. To be safe, you may need to repeat this procedure several times.
10) Reassemble the system.
11) Carefully return the vehicle to the ground.
12) Fill the power steering system with the appropriate fluid.

If you do not want to service your car yourself or are not comfortable draining this system properly, you should seek help from a professional mechanic, but do not allow yourself to drive the vehicle to the shop. Instead, you should have your car towed. A mechanic can perform a professional flush and make sure there is no fluid left in the system.

Brake Fluid Damage to Power Steering Systems Once brake fluid circulates in the system, it becomes even more difficult to remove. Not only will this fluid smell bad, but you will notice something is wrong with your steering system.

First, rubber seals can expand and cause leaks. Not taking any action can cost you a lot in the long run. For example, if you need to replace your power steering pump, it can cost anywhere between $250 and $1,000 depending on your car model.

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
1. Locate Reservoir
The first step to checking the power steering fluid is finding the appropriate reservoir. After all, your car probably has several containers filled with fluid under the hood.

You can look in your owner’s manual to find its location, as each model is different. It should be a small container that’s clear and it usually contains a black cap on the top.

2. Examine Dipstick
If the vehicle has a dipstick system, there will be marks on it to look at. It should remind you of an oil dipstick. Remove the cap for the dipstick and wipe it clean with a shop towel.

If there’s no dipstick, you will examine the tank by the marks on the side. There should be a MAX and MIN line that the fluid should rest between.

3. Double-Check
Put the cap back on so the dipstick rests back in the fluid. You want to double-check it to see what level the fluid is at.

Most dipsticks contain marks that either say MAX and MIN or Full Hot and Full Cold. Either way, you want to ensure the level is located at the appropriate spot on the dipstick.

4. Fill, if Needed
If the power steering system is low, you need to top it off. Fill up the reservoir until it reaches the proper level.

If the fluid looks contaminated, you might want to perform a power steering flush instead. Most manufacturers recommend performing this maintenance task every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.

Can you mix brake fluid and power steering fluid?
No. You should not mix brake fluid and power steering fluid. Mixing or using these in the wrong system can cause serious damage to your car or even cause accidents.

Can you use transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid?
It depends, in many older vehicles, the transmission fluid and power steering fluid were the same. However, in modern cars you will often find that these two fluids differ from each other. Check your owner’s manual and use only a compatible fluid for your vehicle.

Can you use brake fluid for anything else?
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in brake and clutch systems. While brake fluid is not something you can just use for anything else, it does have a few other uses beyond braking. Sometimes brake fluid can be used to clean metal parts, and brake fluid can also be used as a hydraulic fluid for other applications, such as hydraulic jacks and lifting equipment.

Can you use transmission fluid as brake fluid?
Using transmission fluid in your brakes can cause damage to brake components and may even result in loss of brake power, which can result in a serious accident or even death.