* Corrosion: Antifreeze is highly corrosive to many of the materials used in power steering systems, including rubber hoses, seals, and the pump itself. This will lead to leaks, reduced performance, and ultimately, system failure.
* Damage to pump: The power steering pump is a precision component. Antifreeze can damage the pump's internal seals and bearings, leading to premature wear and failure. The pump may seize up entirely.
* Fluid incompatibility: Power steering fluid is specifically formulated for its purpose. Antifreeze has different properties and will not lubricate the system properly. This leads to increased friction and wear.
* System contamination: Completely cleaning the system of antifreeze is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Even after flushing, traces of antifreeze may remain, causing ongoing corrosion and damage.
* Toxicity: Ethylene glycol is highly toxic. If a leak develops, it poses a significant environmental hazard and can be dangerous to handle.
In short, adding antifreeze to a power steering system is a very bad idea and will likely require a complete replacement of the power steering system's components. It's far cheaper to prevent this by using the correct fluid.
