My sister accidentally put brake fluid in the power steering pump of my 1995 C280 and I didn't find out until 2 weeks later!!!! It was making the groaning sounds that a normal pump would make when the low on fluid, but then it also made a ticking/gushing sound from reservoir. I happened to check and noticed the fluid was very very low and frothing. I know she hasn't driven extensively, and the sounds supposedly didn't start until today, but how bad could it be?

I think the power steering pump was already leaking, so I'm considering this one toast now; are there rebuild kits for these things? Also, does anyone know where else one could expect damage or leaks? I've traced the lines to the firewall (about as far as I can see), but I'm unsure where about more things could have been affected.

So far i've removed most of the fluid with a vacuum pump, and plan to flush out the entire system over and over first thing tomorrow morning. Any suggestions?


Thank you in advance!!!!!

 

I think your flushing plan is a good first start. You might be able to save it if the brake fluid didn't eat up the seals. I would be prepared to unfortunately find that you have to do a repair or rebuild though.