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Honda: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Dirty or burnt power steering fluid is easy to change in any Honda. Continue reading to learn how to change the power steering fluid on your Honda Accord.

By James Karuga - February 27, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002), and Civic (1992-2000).

The power steering system makes steering (at low speeds) easier by pumping pressurized hydraulic fluid. When the fluid runs low, the steering wheel becomes harder to turn, produces creaking sounds, and heats the power steering motor. Overheated, overtaxed motors—including the power steering system—will reliably break. This article delves into how an Accord owner can change the power steering fluid themselves.

Materials Needed

  • Pliers
  • Emptying container
  • Funnel
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Turkey baster
  • Honda Power Steering Fluid (3 or 4 quarts)

Pro Tip

This task is best done with two people. One person will need to turn the steering wheel, and the other will need to manage the power steering fluid reservoir.

Step 1 – Drain the old power steering fluid

Open the hood of your Honda Accord. The power steering fluid reservoir will be labeled as such, but it also has a red cap on it. Open it, and use the turkey baster to suck the old power steering fluid out. If there's a little fluid left at the bottom, that's generally okay unless the fluid has been contaminated by something other than the power steering fluid.

To finish draining the reservoir, start by locating the hose that runs from the power steering fluid reservoir to the steering wheel. It's held in place by a screwed metal clip. Use a flat head screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the metal clip, and then use the pliers to pull back the clip. The hose will come off, and the remaining fluid will drain from the reservoir.

Figure 1. Location of the power steering fluid reservoir.

Step 2 – Turn on the engine

Turn on the engine. Have a companion turn the steering wheel from left to right. The fluid that runs to the steering wheel will drain from the steering system through the upper hose. Continuing the left and right turning motions, drain the remaining old, dirty power steering fluid. Once it stops flowing, turn off the engine immediately. Screw back the upper hose to the power steering reservoir.

Pro Tip

Some car experts adviced owners to change the power steering fluid after every 50,000 miles. Owners are also advised to monthly check the fluid levels in the reservoir in case there are leaks or damages in the system lines.

Step 3 – Refill with new power steering fluid

Using the funnel, fill the power steering reservoir with new power steering fluid to the required levels. Then, have a companion switch on the engine and turn steering wheel left to right, while you continue to fill the power steering reservoir. The power steering fluid levels will drop as more fluid gets sucked into the steering system. Continue this process until the power steering fluid levels stay on an acceptable range.

If the fluid in the power steering reservoir is still dirty, siphon it out with the turkey baster until all the dirty oil is purged. Stop when the fluid is clean, without bubbles, and filled to the proper level.

Pro Tips

  • The Honda Accord's reservoir size is around a quart; however, it's advisable when changing the power steering fluid to have around 3 to 4 quarts on standby. That acts as contingency to ensure the changing process is thorough.
  • In the process of filling the power steering fluid, air gets sucked in and bubbles in the fluid are evident. Hence, it's vital to bleed the steering system of the Honda Accord to get rid of the air. The left to right steering gets rid of the air that hampers the steering motion.

Featured Video: How to Change an Accord's Power Steering Fluid

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