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Posted on Jul 04, 2009
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Power steering fluid added to brake fluid. Where are the two well openings located in relation to each other? How can I get the person who caused the damage pay?

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  • tilsherd Jul 05, 2009

    Thanks! Too late for that. The entire brake system is ruined. I'm trying to get the place that changed my oil to pay for it, or the warranty, or my insurance. I hope I can get this worked out on Monday.

  • tilsherd Jul 05, 2009

    Yes, it is a hard lesson learned. I will only take the car to the dealer from now on. Thank you.

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1 Answer

Nicholas Csorba Jr.

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  • Posted on Jul 04, 2009
Nicholas Csorba Jr.
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Well there are no openings for power steering because its electronic on the cobalts the brake fluid bottle is on the firewall in the engine compartment on the drivers side, the cap clearly says brake fluid, i don't know who was checking your car but all cobalts have electric steering. in order to fix the problem your going to have to have the brake system completely flushed with new brake fluid before any damage is done, hopefully no damage occured already!

  • Nicholas Csorba Jr. Jul 05, 2009

    the place that did the oil change is responsible for the damage, they were the last people to touch the braking system. this is why i tell people to go back to the dealer instead of small shops, dealer technicians are factory trained and it is very very rare that anything like that would ever happen at a dealer! i've worked for both sides, dealer and small shop. its a world of a difference with the quality and knowledge that dealer trained technicians have. small shops just can't keep up with the changes in technology and training needed to work on today's cars!

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2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. What is wrong with my steering wheel?
That is strange because they are unrelated.

The power steering works using a pump that has a pulley and is turned by the Serpentine belt. Where you put the fluid, did it look like this?

https://www.carparts.com/power-steering-pump/jeep/grand-cherokee/2003

https://www.google.com/search?q=2003+jeep+grand+cherokee+power+steering+pump

The Brake Master Cylinder has a similar reservoir and also has a brake booster that uses vacuum power from the engine to give you a mechanical advantage. Both are shown here

https://www.ebay.com/b/Brake-Master-Cylinders-Parts-for-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-for-2003/33566/bn_87327012

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1999 Ford Ranger Front right brakes are making a grinding sound and a high pitch when i turn left, Do you know what it is ?
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the grinding in the brakes means it is time to replace the brake pads / shoes and either replace or repair the discs and drums.

the high pitch noise that you are hearing while turning is more likely caused by a worn belt, low power steering fluid, or a faulty power steering pump.

Although it could be indicating something more serious like hub bearings going out, your best bet is to take it to a front end shop that offers free estimates and have them diagnose it in person.

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My ex wife put power steering fluid in the brake master cylinder and drove the car across town..... what should i do
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Flushing can be done by doing a good old fashioned manual bleeding consisting of one person opening and closing the bleeder screws and one person working the brake pedal or many shops will have a brake flush machine that will make quick work of the job.

The P/S fluid in the brake system will cause the seal to bloat and eventually fail. We see several cars every year that this happens to. If its caught early a system flush will take care of it. If ignored everything gets replaced (master cylinder, brake hoses, calipers, and wheel cylinder). We have had a few over the years that where ignored for so long that the brakes eventually locked up.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

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