Can I wash out the power steering fluid reservoir with water and soap? I was changing my PS fluid when I noticed the inside of the reservoir is a bit dirty (small particles). Are water and soap okay in there as long as I dry it thoroughly afterwards?

 

If the reservoir is still mounted on the car.....water could possibly get mixed into the PS fluid lines and contaminate it. Perhaps you could try refilling the reservoir with more PS fluid and do another flush ?

 

Thanks. I ended up washing it out thoroughly with water and soap, rinsing it endlessly, and then drying very thoroughly. There were tons of small particles in there. I don't think it's been changed in the 12 years I've owned the car. The fluid was black.