Brake fluid in Power Steering reservoir?

Question

It's a 2002 Saturn L200. I know I screwed up and don't need to be told that. I've pumped out a fair amount of the brake fluid, driven about a mile to get more Power Steering fluid, filled the reservoir with the PS fluid, driven another mile, pumped out some more fluid and refilled with more PS fluid. Is that good? What else should I do? When I drained it the first time it was so low that my Power steering didn't work on the mile drive. Now it seems to turn fine. Will it work itself out from here?

Answer 1

Probably work fine - not a lot of difference in the two.

Answer 2

It will be fine, there are MANY mechanics that use brake fluid or transmission fluid instead of  power steering fluid,

Answer 3

Ok theres a big difference between brake fluid and power steering fluid, so don't listen to the first 2 answers. The closest thing to power steering fluid is transmission fluid (automatic)

If you had put power steering (or trans fluid) fluid into the brake reservoir, you'd be in trouble since it would swell the brake system gaskets.

But since you put brake fluid into the power steering reservoir, you pretty much just need to flush the system.

On your power steering pump, there will be a return line, you will want to disconnect it and have it drain into a bucket, meanwhile have someone start the car and just keep filling the reservoir until the color of the fluid is clean and new looking. have the person turn the wheel from lock to lock...

Or just have it done at a dealership, they will be able to flush the whole system pretty easily.