Brake Fluid HELP

[MTNRAT]

I may have screwed up and put some (2-3 oz) dextron 3 in my brake fluid reservoir instead of dot 3. I am not sure. What should I expect if I did and should I flush the brake system. If I did put it in there it has been in for abour 4 weeks.
Thanks,
Sean

 

[IBCRUSN]

It would be a good idea to flush the system with DOT 3 as soon as you get a chance.

If there are no leaks it should be ok but clean it out to er on the side of caution.

I did a similar boo boo with my power steering, put PS fluid in it then realized that it should have been ATF.

 

[MTNRAT]

Just finished having it flushed. Now to see if anything untoward happens.
Thanks,
Sean

 

[cruiserdan]

ATF will swell seals in the hydraulic system and cause the brakes to drag. Once it's in there you have a problem. As the brake system heats up the brakes will begin to drag because the pressure can not escape. You will also have a very hard pedal. Have you heated the brakes up good since you think you may have done that?

 

[Rich]

Pretty much bad news. Brake system seals are not compatible with petroleum products. Many brakes systems have suffered complete failure due to contamination with petroleum products. Most frequent occurrence is inadvertent use of power steering fluid instead of brake fluid.

Do a web search to get more background. The fix is to replace all of the brake system seals from master cylinder to calipers including the expensive bits in between.

 

[MTNRAT]

Ouch, that is what I feared. I still cannot remember if I put the stuff in or not. I am sure I will find out soon. Flushing the system found lots of air. Before I flushed I would have soft pedal at start up and it would go to more normal after a little driving. Cdan, I did experience a hard pedal about 5 days ago.
Thanks Sean

 

[Rich]

You can have the fluid analyzed. I have read several lab analysis reports of contaminated brake fluid that were performed subsequent to the accidents that resulted from brake failure.

 

[cruiserdan]

I'm thinking that would be a good idea. I also suspect that if you did indeed do it you would very likely be having problems by now.