How fast do fluids dry out?

[BrooklynMW]

I left my car for a week while I went on vacation. It was parked in a covered spot out of the sun. When I picked it up last night, the steering was crying a screaming and the brakes were pretty dry as well. My only educated guess is that the brake and steering fluids either dried up or completely leaked out. There were no puddles underneath the car, though they could have evaporated.

Does this sound normal? One week no driving, and the steering pump is empty? I turned the wheel back and forth a bunch to try to get the juices flowing, and that helped a bit, but didn't completely solve the problem.

Also, I had the power steering lines replaced 2 months ago when I did the rack.

Thanks in advance.

[drumad]

so.. I'll just go ahead and ask.

Did you actually check your p/s and brake resevoirs?

[BrooklynMW]

so.. I'll just go ahead and ask.

Did you actually check your p/s and brake resevoirs?

No it was late at night. Didn't bother to check before I started car (never thought to). when I got home it was too dark. I plan on checking today.

[BrooklynMW]

Then why ask this question?

Because I'm sitting in front of my computer.

[nando]

brake fluid and ATF don't evaporate that easily

[jlevie]

The fluids didn't evaporate. If either is low, there is a leak.

The brakes may have felt scratchy from rust that formed on the rotors while the car sat.

[BrooklynMW]

Well, I'm going to go down and check the reservoirs, also the power steering lines. Also will check for rust on the rotors, but don't see how they would rust so quickly.

[drumad]

he's going to come back and say there wasnt any rust on the rotors

[BrooklynMW]

he's going to come back and say there wasnt any rust on the rotors

Yes you're absolutely right. Rotors looked pretty good. I think the pads might be a little dried out. Saltwater in the air and all.

Sho' nuff, the power steering fluid reservoir was nearly empty. Which means I have either a new leaks, or the old leak never got fixed. Filled it back up and wheel turns normally now.

[jlevie]

Of course the rotors look good now. The pads will have scrubbed the rust off.

[BrooklynMW]

ahh. I knew that

[drumad]

Yes you're absolutely right. Rotors looked pretty good. I think the pads might be a little dried out. Saltwater in the air and all.

Sho' nuff, the power steering fluid reservoir was nearly empty. Which means I have either a new leaks, or the old leak never got fixed. Filled it back up and wheel turns normally now.

Of course the rotors look good now. The pads will have scrubbed the rust off.

ahh. I knew that

Anywho, seems as if your problems are fixed. Just make sure to check your p/s resevoir as soon as you can and make sure that any significant amount of air did not get in your lines. Otherwise, bleed it and check for leaks.

[bloodshot-e30]

lol it takes about 10 seconds for rust to form on rotors if they get wet.

[june3o]

when fluids leak and dries out, it will create a stain.. especially oils..

[BrooklynMW]

Every kind of line possible could use a good bleed.

Can't check for stains. The previous proprietor of my parking space drove a W112 diesel converted for vegetable oil. So there's all kinds of good floor artwork at my spot already.