Did I ruin my power steering pump?

[NoCaptcha]

Gushing fluid so I poured a bottle of brake fluid in what I thought was the brake fluid reservoir to get to the shop.
Turns out it was the power steering hose leaking.
So those were replaced then the pump started leaking when the engine was turned off.
Mechanic says it's likely the brake fluid damaged the seals on the pump and now I need a new pump.
Did I ruin my pump?
Also in need of 32411141570 if anyone has one they want to get rid of!

Thanks in advance.

[larrym3711]

Well, can't be 100% sure, but I can tell you brake fluid is NOT a lubricant by any measure. If the power steering pump is leakimg through the front, the seal is most likely gone. Replace it.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[caryalon]

I don't know if you ruined the seals, but, if you ruined the seals in the pump, you likely did the same to the rack.

Did the mechanic flush the PS system with fresh fluid? It's leaking just standing still, not running? Did you or the mechanic wash all the fluid off the engine and surrounding area to see if the fluid was from fresh leaks?

[rf900rkw]

Getting the reservoir to pump line sealed to the pump can be a PITA; totally impossible if the old sealing washers were reused. I don't think the brake fluid was in there long enough to hurt anything. If fluid is coming from the front shaft as Larry said, then the pump is done. But I don't see that point leaking when off. If it's dripping off the bottom of the fat hose on the back/bottom, have them replace the crushwashers with new OE only.

[NoCaptcha]

Unfortunately I'm not there and I'm not much of a mechanic.
What I do know is it was draining quickly when shut off. The mechanic said specifically it did not leak when running and with the engine shut off it leaked from several places which precluded him just replacing the front seal as mentioned. He stated he had never seen one leak so bad and this particular pump is generally a very solid pump.
I will say this particular mechanic has a very good reputation in the area, is used by the local autocrossers, and even works on race cars, so folks have a lot of faith in him.
I will definitely ask about the rack though he did say he was going to flush it out three times.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you smart folks helping dummies like me!

[bcain79]

Lol - I did the same thing in my 2006 ML350 - 1 blown up pump, rack and pinion, and $2500 later I was back on the road and sold the car the next day to a dealer. So glad to not have that money pit anymore.

I drove the car with the break fluid for 2 days, flushed the system but it was too late - a week later everything broke.

[NoCaptcha]

Thanks so much for all the replies. Fortunately I found a new pump for 150. Hopefully I haven't blown my whole system.