In trying to refill my antifreeze I think I may.

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
125,000 MILES

In trying to refill my antifreeze I think I may have put it in with my power steering fluid. I drove 17 miles from work to home after doing it. No problems coming home and will have it checked at a dealership as soon as the weekend is over. What can happen as a result of this. I checked the inside of the reservoir before I put it in and the color of the fluid inside was a bluish greenish but after I started it overflowed and the fluid looked darker. I've put in anti freeze before but now after double checking my manual I'm not sure if I messed up.

Saturday, March 16th, 2013 AT 1:17 AM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

I wouldn't panic but you do want to have the power steering system flushed and refilled. Antifreeze doesn't have the lubricating properties found in power steering fluid. Power steering fluid is hydraulic oil meant to withstand very high pressures.

The mixed fluid to really watch out for is the brake fluid. Any hint of a petroleum product like power steering fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, penetrating oil, or wheel bearing grease becomes a REAL expensive problem very quickly.

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Saturday, March 16th, 2013 AT 1:26 AM