Ok ..so not all my buddies are all that hip on actual GUY stuff!! I check my fluids, pressure, heater hoses, tires…blah blah. ”Everyday” (well morning). So I’m in a hurry and ask a buddy….. Please go check my oil. Add if needed! So out the door I go. And yes I have to check behind all! Boy am I glad I did! I look to see for spills..etc. Well I notice my power steering cap/dip is cockeyed.
I call out for ”Dick” to come here. I ask him how much oil did she need? He replies…about a half a cup…..yes I immediately drop the line to let it drain. No she has not been turned over since.
My ??? is: After the drain, how do I cleanse the oil(synthetic) out of the lines & pump? And just for kicks…mixing those two chemicals, Is a fire/combustion issue is it not??? Respectfully Yours, Never a dull moment!!! Tanja.
Well Tanja, since you caught the problem right away, there really should not be a problem. That little bit of engine oil in the power steering pump reservoir would not do any harm since the truck was not started and you drained it right away.
Might I say you sound like a real car guys type of girl! Wish mine was so inclined to get dirty and fix my truck !
As for being a fire danger, there is none. Those two fluid would have no sort of reaction to each other like that.
To be safe and make sure you got all the oil out, i would fill it, remove a line, let it drain out again, then start it and bleed the system. Best way to do that is to get the front wheels of the ground and turn the steering wheel 10-15 times with the engine off. This makes bleeding the air from the system so much easier and quicker. Just starting it with air in it makes the the fluid aerated and it gets throughout the system.
Another thing that can be done, but it does not seem you need to, is have a flush service done at any shop or garage. Most places charge about $60 for that service.
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3 Comments on "Power Steering Fluid Contaminated With Engine Oil"
I’m trying to flush the power steering system on my 1986 F-250. The replacement pump instructions call for draining the system while turning the wheels with vehicle off the ground. I assume it is a gravity drain deal. But doing this while turning the wheel doesn’t drain. I applied a vacuum pump and was able to draw a small amount through the return hose, along with some air. But, wouldn’t the new fluid replace what I drew out of the system. Instead, the system holds the vacuum without pulling in any new fluid. Anyone got an idea what is going on, here?
Turning the wheel will only get any fluid moving what is in the gear box. Find the lowest hose / fitting and disconnect it and let it gravity drain for a while. In order for a vacuum to work, there needs to be another section open to air- the cap off the pump or another line disconnected.
I love the valuable information that you supply in your auto repair posts. Thank you.