Hi,

New member with a problem....

I recently purchased an S-Type which had a Power Steering squeak but in trying to sort this, I mistakenly added the Power Steering additive purchased from the Dealer to the Brake Fluid resevoir instead of the Power Steering resevoir...

This was done around 3 weeks ago, and now the brake pedal is going right to the floor when trying to brake....

I've bled the system and flushed it and then re-filled with new fluid but the pedal is still going to the floor and there is no great pressure....

Does anyone have any idea how I sort this problem before taking the car to a Dealer....?

Or what possible damage I may have caused or replacement parts I may need....?

Thanks in anticipation......

P.S. great site.....

 

Sorry that is a new one for me!!! Maybe a factory tech can answer? Please in every post put all your car details. Year, engine and where your at. This car was produced for world wide sales and there are differences between markets.

Maybe the dealer would be better for you after this incident? This is an expensive car and when you can't tell the difference between the P/S reservoir and the brake master cylinder? I would NOT do anything else to your car!!!!
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Dax, you flushed and refilled- good. Be sure you have adequate brake pad lining, the pedal will sink further to the floor as the pads wear. Your problem of pedal sinking to floor likely resides in an insufficient brake line bleed, there is too much air in the line and master cylinder. Let a brake man do the bleed using correct equipment and procedure.

 

That's what I was thinking as I read it, there is probably air in the system somewhere. Any hydrolic mechanism loses all force conduction functions the moment something as compressible as air is introduced. I certainly wouldn't drive it in any fashion except slow, early in the morning, no traffic, via the shortest route to the mechanic. And be prepared to use the engine braking if you need to. Seriously, you could lose all braking power in this situation, which could be a disaster.

That being said, it should be a quick and easy fix once you get it there.

Mind you, I am making this all up as I type, so it may be all wrong. Its just my mechanically-uninclined interpretation.

Cheers

John

 

Hi,

Sorry the car is a 2005 MY 2.5 Petrol Automatic....

And thanks for your replies so far, here's hoping it's an easy fix.....

 

Dax, a proper brake line and master cylunder bleed will solve the issue. As Cyanide points out, if you absolutely have no braking ability take a tow to the repair garage.

 

If you take it easy using the EPB is possible.

How confident are you with your bleed procedure? I was wondering about possible seal damage, but that is probably unlikely.

 

Ummm, not to split hairs here but you list your location as Florida yet you say you have the 2.5 V6 that was only available in Europe...I'm a bit confused...

Also, it sounds like a bleed issue to me as well.

 

This is an "interesting" issue and hopefully legitimate.

What I would have done, but sounds like it is too late:

First, if you topped off the brake fluid reservoir with PS fluid, it couldn't have been that much. How LOW was the MC reservoir?? And brake fluid does not circulate through the system. The PS fluid should have all or mostly been sitting in the reservoir, so I would have used a small HVAC pump like a mity-vac and removed all the fluid in the master. Likely that would have done it.

But, once you began bleeding the system, then it is certain the ps fluid has been pushed through and is occupying the system. At this point I would only power bleed.

BTW - not to impugn your mechanical integrity, but if you made this first mistake, you should entrust the fix to a competent tech that you trust, or the delaership.

 

It was only 50ml of the Power Steering Additive which was added to the resevoir.....

The car was imported from the UK....

Thanks for your help so far.....

 

Don't get angry...C'mon...The folks on here have been pretty fair and nice so far... I'm with them..You probably didn't actually hurt anything but have to get that brake system totally flushed out. Put it this way..If it was me, I'd chalk it up to a learning experience and have a professional shop clean out the brake system since they will have much better equipment than me. Heck, I recently changed the oil on the mini-van and never checked the top of the old filter...Guess what happens when you attach a new filter while the old filter gasket is there and then start the motor.... Let's just say the oil stains all over the garage and drive are still there...But I won't ever make that mistake again..

So, after this crisis is over you'll have to tell us about how you came across a UK import...Post pictures! Would love to see it...

 

Yes, me too, nothing personal and hopefully, you'll not take my recommendations that way. Understand we're wanting to get you back on the road and safely.

I am very sensitive to brake work. This is your life in your hands and I've seen/read some stories regarding DIY that frankly frighten me and I don't encourage DIY brakework. Then, being a little selfish, I might be the one in front of you when the brakes fail.

All the Best,

 

I was not intending to be angry? with anyone on here, realise it's my own stupid mistake and will be having a garage deal with the car now.....

I'll let you know how I get on and again sincere thanks for your thoughts/assistance so far......

 

Good to hear Dax. I took the short comment along with the "angry" face as being frustrated with the comments... Glad your getting it sorted..

Now... Really, post up some info on your "import" 2.5. That will give us something fun to talk about. See, Jaguar in North America for good reason limits the number of versions and content that come here. It is done to save cost and limit the number of cars they have to get certified to sell over here. So, it would be really neat to see how much is different...

 

Well the garage have done as was suggested, stripped and cleaned the master cylinder, servo, calipers, brake lines etc. Flushed the system re-filled with brake fluid then bled it, re-filled it again and the brakes are now back as good as new.

Expensive mistake to make but as my friend owns the garage, he did at least reduce the labour rate normally changed.

I'll not be touching the car again, and can now get back to enjoying driving it again.

Thanks for all your help and comments.

Regards,

Dax

 

Excellent Dax! Good to hear your Jag's brakes are healthy again. Don't be afraid to perform minor maintenance, just take your time doing it. We're all here to help each other.