brown fluid in power steering resovior

[Chatmanboy]

Squeaky noise on start up and had a leak by PS pump took it apart put it back on. Put fluid in and started it up. Was fine and then put it in gear real bad squeaky noise and brakes are stuck. Looked I'm reservoir and fluid is light brown??? What cause this and is it fixable?

 

[ngianop]

I don't have a lot of experience with this so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt. Does your car have a hydroboost system? (i.e., the power steering pump provides pressure for the brake system) Which fluid reservoir are you referring to; the PS pump's or the brake master cylinder? It's possible that your car's power steering pump is worn out. Brown fluid could mean that brake and PS fluid are mixing because of a bad seal in the PS pump. It might also explain why your brakes are locked up. Hopefully someone else will chime in. Good luck.

 

[Chatmanboy]

Yea it is hydroboost. I'm going to drain it out and put more in and see if it does it again

 

[Chatmanboy]

Ok that didn't work either. So do any one know the symptoms of a bad power steering pump? Does it kill the brakes. Because I blead he brakes and they still go to the floor and the PS pump squeaks real loudly when they are to the floor!

 

[Chatmanboy]

Or could the master cylinder be the problem?

 

[ngianop]

The master cylinder could be the problem but I don't know how to confirm it. It's also possible that the power piston/accumulator is the culprit. (it's the part the master cylinder bolts to) Do you see either PS or brake fluid leaking from anywhere? Is PS fluid leaking from the accumulator? I have the GM service manual but it doesn't describe the symptoms you mention. If you want a copy of the Hydroboost section of the manual, shoot me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you.

 

[Chatmanboy]

It was leaking ps fluid but not to bad. But it started sqeaking on start up for a few secs then go away. That's y I took it apart to fix the leaks. I may just try the master cylinder first since its cheaper, then if that don't fix it then ill just do the ps pump. But yea sure rchatman3@yahoo.com

 

[turbonut85]

If the brake pedal goes to the floor (like a rubber band) and the brakes are sticking...along with the ps pump squeal...I'd bet its the booster.

 

[Chatmanboy]

I changed the master cylinder and that didn't do anything. I don't have pressure at all, tried bleeding the brakes and they just go to the floor. What u guys think I should do next? Booster or ps pump?