meazz1

I replaced power steering fluid today.
It is probably one of the easiest diy. It took me about 10 minutes.
The fluid was completely black.
How often should this be changed?

01tl4tl

generally every 15-30k miles or few years
Thats more than what the book says- but I would rather be safe

gokartmozart

The book says to not change it. The dealers have said not to change it.

Go90go

I changed it when it drained all over my garage floor, .

~Cheers~

meazz1

I don't know why would dealer say not to change it.
New fluid is clear in color, and the fluid came out was pitch black.

pi1996

how did you change it?

did you just pull up the container and unplugged a hose to drain it?

Go90go

I disconnected the power steering pump and it spilled from one of the hoses. Since it's a pressurized system, you don't need to bleed it like you do brakes. Doesn't take much, either.

~Cheers~

TimmyPB

my power steering pump is leaking like crazy and noisy as all hell. So i assume it is going out and will need replacing. Any idea on cost and is it possible to get a rebuilt one instead of brand new, or is that a bad idea?

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

ummm Honda fluid is not clear. What fluid did you use.

96teeluxury

Never changed my fluid and I never plan on it because my steering is more butter than any other car I've driven.

meazz1

I used Bardahl Power steering fluid.
It says “Honda and Acura” on it.


First I used a turkey baster to empty out the container. Than I unplug the return hose, I attached a longer hose on the return hose, put a small empty milk container at the hose and started up the car. I dumped all the used fluid in it.
I attached the return hose back to power steering fluid reservoir, poured new fluid in it. Than started up the car the move steering wheel from one end to other few times. I rechecked and filled fluid level to max position.
Whole thing took about 10 minutes.

Bardahl's Honda Power Steering Fluid

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

IT was clear? I got the same stuff and it was browish clear.

meazz1

it looked liked clear to me.
Guys, you are scaring me now.
I will go to the dealership and get the real stuff, since it only takes 10 mins to drain and refill.

Go90go

Meh, who cares. It works, doesn't it? Sure OEM is better, but I drove with barely anything in there until I had a chance to get some.

~Cheers~

meazz1

You are right, I will leave it alone. The feel of the steering wheel is much better.

Mandy

I just looked at my power steering reservoir and the fluid is brown and smells burnt. I have a 12 Oz Honda fluid and it smells fresh...and almost clear.

I have 88K, time to drain and fill. Service manual says 1.5 qts to remove all fluid. Very easy directions. I must get me 2 bottles of the honda fluid!!!!

DAiNiUS

Does changing the PS fluid make the wheel easier to turn? Since my wheel is really hard to turn when it's real cold outside (winter). In summer it feels OK, but the other day I drove an A6 and it was unbelievably easy to turn the wheel; I can steer when the car is stationary only with my pinky finger which is impossible with the TL.

And why does the dealer say that you shouldn't change the PS fluid?

meazz1

It should help.
Did you inspect the fluid...is it anywhere close to looking like fluid?
It's a 30 min job, why not just replace the fluid and see if it helps.

main70072

Something is definitely not right because my steering is very light. Everyone who has driven my TL have been amazed at how easy it was to steer the car even stationary. I have driven the Accord, TSX, and 3rd gen TL none of which has lighter steering than my TL. Like meazz1 said you can try to replace the fluid and see if it helps.

Dozer

The steering in the TL is the lightest I've experienced in any car I've driven. I changed the PS fluid last year at a Honda dealership and I didn't notice any difference afterwards.

DAiNiUS

Damn it! Maybe its the PS pump. Are those expensive and how easily accessible are they?

Mandy

I am going to do this, just trying to get some Honda PS fluid....and some ATF-Z1 tranny fluid...need to stock up again....

Mandy

Tried to do my differential fluid today but my fill bolt does not want to budge....I have to get a breaker bar or an extension to break it loose....shoot I do not remember tightening it that much when I changed it at 58K. I am now 88K, time for a drain and fill...

Mandy

Shoot, was trying to unbolt the wrong bolt....I have checked the manual and the DIY posted here, now I know what day it is...!!!

DAiNiUS

Well I went to a Honda dealer a few weeks ago for an oil change and asked them to change the PS fluid. The service guy said they don't ever change power steering fluid. To be sure he called a local Acura dealer and asked if they ever change it, but they said no.

So WTF? It was mentioned earlier in this thread that the manual and dealers say that it doesn't need to be changed, but I still find this really weird.

So to the people who changed their PS fluid - where did you go, if you did it yourselves where did you buy the fluid, and most importantly did you see an improvement?

Mandy

Fresh power steering fluid helps. The manual gives you instructions on how to replace. I just do not know at what mileage. I am scheduling a drain and fill shortly, I have 88k.

Dozer

Like I said I changed mine last year at a Honda dealership in Toronto. Midas can do it too, the guy there was telling me the other day the fluid look bad and should be changed. But he didn't have Honda fluid so I didn't have to argue.

Go90go

Three months and you still have 88K?!

~Cheers~

KrayzieDxC

damm 88k ...you dont drive much huh..im at 98k

Mandy

I am at 87,600 miles now, so I call it 88K. After I exceed 88, I will call it 89.

But I miss 69. Or 96, depends on where she is...LOL!

Mandy

I drive 10 miles to work, 100 miles/week.

tmnhs81

mine is 100 miles a day.

TexasHonda

If you don't replace the PS reservoir, fluid will likely be dirty again due to filter element in the bottom of the reservoir that traps particles. I've never replaced my PS fluid, but topped up occasionally and it's very dark.

good luck

Mandy

But your 97 has only 98k, a year older but not in miles...you are in better shape...however, you are close to the major 105k miles service...