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[Help] I put too much Steerting Wheel Fluid in my car

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Yaozer, Nov 2, 2007.

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  1. Yaozer

    Yaozer Member

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    First off, I don't know too much about cars so excuse my ineptitude.

    I filled up my steering wheel tube thing in my car because there's a leak or something and I usually fill it up about 2-3 weeks at a time. I usually don't fill it up to the 'max' allowed because I don't wanna risk overdoing it. But today I accidentally put too much. Turns out I kinda filled it all the way to the top.

    I had my car on when I was filling it up because it usually fills faster, so after I was done overfilling it and turned off the car, the tube thing was overflowing with the fluid and a lot of it came gushing out.

    I know this isn't good. But what does this mean? Should I not drive it for a while or is it safe to drive?
     
    #1 Yaozer, Nov 2, 2007
  2. Apollo Creed

    Apollo Creed Contributing Member

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    If you drive really fast (accelerate from stop signs and lights as fast as you can) it will work its way down quicker.

    Trust me, it works.
     
    #2 Apollo Creed, Nov 2, 2007
  3. Davidoff

    Davidoff Member

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    Sounds like you should get the rack-and-pinion or power steering pump leak fixed first..
     
    #3 Davidoff, Nov 2, 2007
  4. Lil Pun

    Lil Pun Member

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    Suck it out.
     
    #4 Lil Pun, Nov 2, 2007
  5. meggoleggo

    meggoleggo Member

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    with a straw.
     
    #5 meggoleggo, Nov 2, 2007
  6. Apollo Creed

    Apollo Creed Contributing Member

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    Driving near cliffs works

    The sea air will lower the fluid

    But you have to be driving fast so it takes in alot of air
     
    #6 Apollo Creed, Nov 2, 2007
  7. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Member

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    This was my first thought. If you constantly have to fill up the reservoir, maybe your problem is not over-filling it. :cool:
     
    #7 SwoLy-D, Nov 2, 2007
  8. Apollo Creed

    Apollo Creed Contributing Member

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    I think you can burn it up actually

    Just get a gasoline soaked rag, stick it in the tube and light the top

    It will burn the excess fluid to a perfect amount

    Done and done
     
    #8 Apollo Creed, Nov 2, 2007
  9. Yaozer

    Yaozer Member

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    I'm sorry, I don't understand. should I just get the whole new set replaced? How much will that run me?

    Also I actually thought about sucking it out like some of you mentioned. But I was afraid I would swallow it and turn into some super steering wheel fluid man with those chemicals in me.

    I don't know if you guys are serious or being sarcastic about the speeding thing, but what does acceleration have to do with the fluid?
     
    #9 Yaozer, Nov 2, 2007
  10. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"
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    Creed, lol. You should have your own "car talk" type of show.

    Yaozer, this is NOT a big deal. Not the overfilling, nor the gushing. Just drive around, but yeah, get the leak fixed.
     
    #10 B-Bob, Nov 2, 2007
  11. Falcons Talon

    Falcons Talon Member

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    You'd be surprised how many times the leak is a pinhole leak in the hose.

    Turn the car on and have someone turn the steering wheel. If it is a leak in the high pressure hose, you should be able to see a thin stream squirt out somewhere. Changing the hose is pretty simple...

    Maybe you have a crack in the p/s pump housing. It's probably one of those plastic resevoir/cast housing numbers. Unfoutunately, I have not found anyone that sells the housing and resevoir seperate, but if it is a crack somewhere on the resevoir, you may get away using some plastic steel on it (after cleaning it up thouroughly).

    Don't start replacing parts willy nilly without knowing where the leak is first, unless you have money to burn.

    IIRC, overfilling the p/s pump does nothing but make a big mess. If you really feel the need to get that excess fluid out, buy a multi use siphon pump.
    I got this little number at walmart for under $10.00

    It can be used to add or remove fluids.

    [​IMG]
     
    #11 Falcons Talon, Nov 2, 2007
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2007
  12. Apollo Creed

    Apollo Creed Contributing Member

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    Just open up the hood and duct tape any opening you find

    They shouldn't be there

    Then duct tape the hood closed so it doesn't fly open
     
    #12 Apollo Creed, Nov 2, 2007
  13. Yaozer

    Yaozer Member

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    Thanks guys! I think I can almost understand it now. I'm gonna check for leaks later today.
     
    #13 Yaozer, Nov 2, 2007
  14. Falcons Talon

    Falcons Talon Member

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    While you're got the hood opened, don't forget to replace the blinker fluid. You may want to check the oil level in the engine, tranny, and flux capacitor as well.
     
    #14 Falcons Talon, Nov 2, 2007
  15. Davidoff

    Davidoff Member

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    Greatness!
     
    #15 Davidoff, Nov 2, 2007
  16. Apollo Creed

    Apollo Creed Contributing Member

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    Yeah don't be afraid to just jam a screwdriver on in there

    You'd be surprised at how much that helps
     
    #16 Apollo Creed, Nov 2, 2007
  17. SWTsig

    SWTsig Member

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    sounds like you have a busted johnson rod.

    good luck with all that.
     
    #17 SWTsig, Nov 2, 2007
  18. Falcons Talon

    Falcons Talon Member

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    Those damn busted johnson rods...best fix for that is to have someone with small hands (usually a female) yank it until you get all the fluid out of it.
     
    #18 Falcons Talon, Nov 2, 2007
  19. BigM

    BigM Member

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    that was a good laugh man...
     
    #19 BigM, Nov 2, 2007
  20. codell

    codell Member

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    It's probably the bypass line.

    You're gonna need some pliers and a set of 30-weight ball bearings.

    Prepare that Fetzer valve with some 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads. You'll need 'bout ten quarts of anti-freeze, preferably Prestone .....no ....make that Quaker State.
     
    #20 codell, Nov 2, 2007
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2007
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