Life expectancy of a Power Steering Pump? - brake fluid in PS reservoir - now leaking - HELP?
 

As you may have read in my posts on Sat., my local Audi dealer informed me that I could use DOT 4 brake fluid as a substitute for power steering fluid if I was low. So thinking they'd know what's best, I did. I poured-in maybe 4 ozs. just to top it off. Two days later, I had a power steering pump with a main seal that was leaking heavily.

This mishap, of course, is the dealer's fault, and they're compensating me accordingly.

What I'm wondering though is if the brake fluid really had anything to do with this...? Only about 4 ozs. of brake fluid, and a PS pump that's 8 years old with 43k miles.

How long do these pumps usually last. Could this all just be coincidence? I have no idea what the life is on these pumps. The only leak I can find is the shaft seal on the pump itself, which I'd imagine is the seal which would get the most wear over time.

Whattya think?

TIA,

Matt

hmmm, what happened? I posted 15 minutes later suggesting you don't do it with a link to the donky-
 

punching guy whos dad did it to him :P

don't want to sound like an ass, but why so impatient?

I think the brake fluid rotted out the seals

180,000 MI.... only had to change a return hose...... $90.00

Will last life of the car unless you listen to your dealer ;)

Brake fluid blew the seal. Says right on the resevoir Use Only Mineral Hydraulic Oil.

Yep, you ruined it....
 

Mineral Oil Hydraulic Fluid IS NOT THE SAME as DOT Brake Fluid. The seals are made for specific fluid, specified in owner's manual.

ONLY Mineral Oil Hydraulic Fluid should be used.

And, be careful you don't mess up your radiator/cooling system/ engine block by mixing inappropriate anti-freeze. According to a VW site, the wrong types mixed can "gel"... ick!

I too have run into idiot advice at the stealerships... listen to the guys in here like MasterB, TabulaRasa, Miktip...

(Which begs the question -- How does Audi permit these idiots to work for them? Yeah, the dealerships are independently owned, but... sheesh...! In one good news note from a dealership where I have to go for parts not available elsewhere, they fired the idiot Service Manager who quoted $1200 for a timing belt change, thinking my 5 was a V6, tho probably not because of me - he was just a complete dope!)

It saves lots of time and effort having things repaired....!