Power Steering Fluid Damage?

[bleizit]

My mechanic replaced a power steering unit hose a while back and I noticed this weekend that they filled the unit with power steering fluid... not transmission fluid. Consequently, it smells burnt and was very dark. Any ideas on what the actual damage is? Can the system be flushed and refilled or is the unit trashed? I have no problems now (of course it leaks - main unit seal), but I wanted some opinions before taking it to the shop and discussing the issue...

 

[joey]

I would drain all the fluid that you can, refill, run for a week, drain and refill. After around 3 times doing this, you should get 90% or more of the fluid out of there.

 

[bleizit]

Thanks for the recommendation. On my second change and it's a huge difference, but it's now leaking substantially. Do you think the PS fluid caused the leak to be more severe or is it just coincidental?

 

[joey]

Possible, but if it is leaking from the hoses, change them, or the clamps... other wise buy some lucas transmission fix