Advice needed for friend power steering - has water in it

[Tidybuoy]

I need some advice. I'm hoping there is an easy fix. My friend, who is completely automotive illiterate, has a problem and I'm trying not to get roped into fixing the problem for him - maybe he can learn to fix something himself.

My friends wife has a Nisson Maxima and the coolant light came on. She decided to add water to it but added the water to the power steering reservoir (I don't even want to coment on this one).

So now, he's asking for my help and I told him he will most likely have to remove a power steering hose to drain the system. My friend tells me that the fluid is currently looking like an orange milkshake and that about a cup of water was added into the system.

But, in the meantime, I told him to get a turkey baster and get as much fluid as possible out of the reservoir and then replace with new "power steering fluid" and repeat this proceedure several times.

I'm thinking that no matter how you drain and replace fluids, there will always be some water in the system and I'm wondering if you guys have any advice.

Unfortunately, these people are poor so taking the car into a shop is not really an option for them.

[MT930]

Pretty good advise got to get the water out of the system.

the cost to pay a shop to get the water out will be far less than a new pump thats for sure.

Displace as much water as fast as possible.

Sounds like his wife could use a fluid location briefing. Dam!!

I watched a oil change jockey put 5 quarts of ATF in my crankcase once. Glad I caught that. I had them cycle change it 6 times with fresh oil and come back after 100 miles for one more.

[on2wheels52]

"I watched a oil change jockey put 5 quarts of ATF in my crankcase once. Glad I caught that. I had them cycle change it 6 times with fresh oil and come back after 100 miles for one more."

I think that was a little extreme. In the late '70's we had a customer with an F250 who always wanted a quart of ATF in every oil change. He had a ton of miles on the thing (not that I've subscribed to his theory).
Jim

[masraum]

Just a thought, a large source of new fluid, a 5 gallon bucket, and the return line disconnected from the pump. Engine idling, pouring fluid into the reservoir, someone else inside the car turning the wheel back and forth (lock to lock). Rinse, repeat several times. Sounds like a real pain in the rear!

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

I need some advice. I'm hoping there is an easy fix. My friend, who is completely automotive illiterate, has a problem and I'm trying not to get roped into fixing the problem for him - maybe he can learn to fix something himself.

My friends wife has a Nisson Maxima and the coolant light came on. She decided to add water to it but added the water to the power steering reservoir (I don't even want to coment on this one).

So now, he's asking for my help and I told him he will most likely have to remove a power steering hose to drain the system. My friend tells me that the fluid is currently looking like an orange milkshake and that about a cup of water was added into the system.

But, in the meantime, I told him to get a turkey baster and get as much fluid as possible out of the reservoir and then replace with new "power steering fluid" and repeat this proceedure several times.

I'm thinking that no matter how you drain and replace fluids, there will always be some water in the system and I'm wondering if you guys have any advice.

Unfortunately, these people are poor so taking the car into a shop is not really an option for them.

Hmmm... automotive illiterate + poor is not a good combination. Great recipe to become poorer. I think you gave him good advice. Can't help but wonder where the water will settle out when cold, and if it will sit on top of the PS fluid or below. Depending on which he may want to check the PS fluid reservoir a few hours after turning the car off in case water settles on top. Then repeat that exercise every day or so until no more is visible.

I think the worst damage would have been done almost immediately - especially if either the pump or rack got a slug of water.