Power Steering Fluid

[bear1906]

I cant recall the last time my Power Steering fluid was changed, but when I open the reservoir, the fluid has a slight odor. I cant describe the odor, but is this normal? Also, whats the easiest way to change it, and can I use Lucas Oil steering fluid in there?

[phins2rt]

Stick with OEM fluid. About the only fluid I would use that is not OEM is the brake fluid, motor oil, wiper fluid and transfer case oil. And some would balk at the brake fluid. YMMV.

[bear1906]

Thanks...What about the first part of my question...does the fluid have an odor? And whats the easiest way for me to change it myself?

[hondacuraplanet]

I would just suck down the reservoir and replace, and repeat as needed after driving. Burnt power steering fluid will smell like a very overdone burned char broiled steak. It normally has a light mineral oil smell.

[bear1906]

Thanks what color should the fluid be?

[ROTORRAY]

This is probably one of the EASIEST maintenant items to perform. Get yourself a turkey baster (est cost $1). Get some Honda PS fluid from your dealer. Suck out the old fluid from the resevoir witht he baster. Replace with new fluid. Drive for a while and do it again, or you can do it at the next/or every oil change. EASY!!! Takes about 3 minutes and gives great peace of mind...JMHO

[bear1906]

I ask about the color because I am trying to assess whether or not I have an issue.

[Dominik-X]

Is it necessary to change if no noticeable issue?

[kghjr]

An inline auxiliary filter will prolong the life of the power steering fluid and pump. NAPA part # 81-0589F, $19.97. Easy to install and it can be taken apart for cleaning every 30,000 miles.

The article that got me interested in the topic of auxiliary filters.

The last pic is the old style Magnefine sold by NAPA. These had to be replaced every 10,000 miles.

[bear1906]

I just talked to my dealer and they told me that they never change the power steering fluid.Glad I asked.

Next question would be, can I use another brand of power steering fluid, like Prestone etc, as long as it says "Honda/Acura" power steering fluid?

[Ari]

This is a great simple mod that cannot hurt for the time and expense as a preventive measure. Basically you're looking at cutting the line (draining as much before hand and then letting drain more), installing the filter and then filling with new fluid. Total cost less than $30 and about 30-45 minutes.

[bear1906]

I will think about the filter over the summer. In the meantime I did the turkey baster fluid drain out of the reservoir. One thing I noticed was after the initial drain, the fluid was dark brown, but when I started the car and turned the wheel left/right to get the fluid out, the remainder came out light brown and foamy...Whats up with that?

[carguy07]

Did you refill before you turned the wheel? Foam is air.

[bear1906]

Yes, the reservoir was empty. I realized it was air because an hour later, the foamy stuff was gone

Now I have another weird observation...after I refilled the reservoir with about 1.5 bottles of Honda PS (which went in pretty clear), I drove around. The steering feels slightly different (better I guess, not that it was bad before). One thing I noticed upon checking the reservoir with the new fluid right after a drive was that it was already brown again (same color as old fluid). How much fluid does this thing hold?

I should have used the Prestone Honda PS fluid if I knew I would have to burn this much new fluid just to get the dirt out.

[Dominik-X]

Could be old stuff still in the system. That's why you would have to probably do it twice to get most of the old stuff out.

How different does it feel now, softer, lighter, tighter, firm?