Stupid, stupid, stupid!

[nykkieberry]

I've just accidently poured about an inch of water into my power steering fluid container. Ooooppss. Do I need to own up to my partner? Or will it just mix into the fluid and be forgotten??

[gilf]

I would own up. we all make mistakes. No idea if it will cause a problem but better to do it now rather than wait until it goes wrong and your partner takes it to the Garage and they say what idiot put water in the Power Steering.

[nykkieberry]

don't call me an idiot : )

[Mortartube]

The water should float on top of the power steering fluid (assuming that you haven't started the engine, which will pump the fluid around). Get an eye dropper or even a turkey baster and remove the water and about a half inch of fluid and discard. Top up with clean new power steering fluid. If you have started the engine, own up as the water may damage the hydraulic seals which means they may fail and you will lose your power assistance when steering, also the internal metal componets may corrode. It'll be a lot easier and cheaper to deal with it now.

[nykkieberry]

Thanks Mortartube. I drove my car back to work (which now I realized I shouldn't have!) Think my other half is going to be a busy boy this weekend sorting out my stupid mistake : (

[lisaj]

I did this not long ago - left it for a little while until the power steering made some funny screeching noises at the extremes. took it into renault to be drained, cleaned and refilled and I certainly won't make the same �150 mistake!! So my advice, deal with it sonner rather than later else you might have to replace the power steering pumps too :-(

[nykkieberry]

OMG How much water did you put in? I put in little more than a splash -is it still a dire emergency?

[gilf]

I didnt call you and idiot it was the bloke at the Garage :). Recently put a whole bottle of undiluted screen wash in my car.