I have brake fluid in windshield washer reservoir

[SPIRO]

Hi everybody. After getting my clutch and slave cylinder replaced at an independent shop, it appears they inadvertently added brake fluid to my washer reservoir.  Every time I spray the windshield, an oily coating that smells like brake fluid leaves a film. Any idea how this might be cleaned out?  Or does the washer system need replacement now that it has been fouled?

[Loren]

You could remove the tubing lines that pump to the windshield (behind the left front wheel well housing) and pump them to waste.

I would follow with a detergent (like Dawn) mixture to flush the remaining brake fluid and clean the system. Flush well with clean water and re-connect the lines. Refill with WW fluid.

[Ahsai]

Also you may want to do it sooner rather than later because brake fluid is very bad for hard plastic (in addition to paint). Hard plastic will just fall apart if in contact with brake fluid for a long time.

[wizard]

As Ahsai says, if it is brake fluid, you'll see clear evidence of that on your paintwork pretty much immediately.

Edited July 23, 2018 by wizard

[SPIRO]

Thanks, Loren.  I confirm that your method worked easily and very quickly.  The only difficult was getting the hose off the white T-piece. I used a flat screwdriver to pry it off carefully.  Hopefully no paint or plastics will be damaged!

 

 

[Loren]