Hey, my Honda dealer wants $120 for a power steering flush. I have no plans on doing this myself. Should I have them do it, or can I get it done cheaper by someone else? Thanks

 

Do it yourself

Disconnect return line to the reservoir and attach a hose to it to direct the old fluid in a canister. Empty the reservoir as much as possible and fill with new fluid. Then have someone start the car and let the old fluid run out until you see clear fluid.

Now, since the reservoir is quite small, it will not take long at all for it to empty itself. Be prepared to *** some if need be.

When it is done. Reconnect line and top off..

fs

 

you are going to have to do this about 10 times to get results. The dirty fluid is in more than just the reservior....i think there is about 64oz. in the system. I would buy about 10 bottles of Honda PS Fluid to use.
thats what i did with mine.

 

WHy are you flushing it in the first place? there really is no need unless you just replaced the rack and/or pump. The power steering fluid is not like all the other fluids it doesn't matter if its dirty or not to work coorectly. That is why its not listed as part of any service in the mait. manual.

 

there is nothing wrong with it.

the conditioning agents in the fluid break down over time and putting fresh fluid in will make sure all of your seals are properly conditioned.

 

I beg to differ. Mine p/s went out and I had never changed out the fluid which was very dirty. Whether that had anything to do with it or not I can't say, but I think it's a good idea to change it out at least once a year.

 

Wow 120 dollars.
What seals are we talking about?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by -Bionic- &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wow 120 dollars.
What seals are we talking about?</TD></TR></TABLE>

well, for 120 dollars it's not worth it.
But if you do it yourself it wont cost more than 12-15 dollars.

the seals that are in the p.s. rack.....you know, the ones that keep the hydraulic fluid in its place.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Beach Accord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

well, for 120 dollars it's not worth it.
But if you do it yourself it wont cost more than 12-15 dollars.

the seals that are in the p.s. rack.....you know, the ones that keep the hydraulic fluid in its place.</TD></TR></TABLE>

True. If we are talking about using ten bottles of p.s fluid wouldn't that be more than 12-15 dollars? I'm just curious. Regardless, I have to flush the system if I decide to install the p/s pump one day. Thanks for the info.

 

well, i get a bottle of fluid for about 1.70 at my honda dealership....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Beach Accord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well, i get a bottle of fluid for about 1.70 at my honda dealership....</TD></TR></TABLE>


Ooh ok. I thought it would cost more because everything at the dealer is.

 

That's crap, I guarantee the guy is just gonna smoke a cigarette and milk it out to be a one hour job. $120, what is the world coming to?!?

There's really no need that I see to flush the system unless you got boo koo rust in it or something. What am I saying, be a man and get a work-out...while saving horsepower at the same time. You don't need no stinkin' power steering!!!

But seriously, does it matter what type of power steering fluid you use? In my old 90 Eclipse the manual said to use ATF fluid (damn, I can proudly say I don't have any of that crap anymore, manuals rule the world!!!).

 

yes, honda power steering racks are very sensitive and you should only use honda PS fluid in them.

told this by many master mechanics and also my 3 instructors at school.

 

yeh, honda fluid is the best. But, I believe that fushing your entire system is not necessary. What i do is periodically siphen out the resivior and add new fluid. Yes, the fluid gets dark again after you start the motor because it mixes with other existing fluid. But, you have added some fresh fluid. Look at the manual. No book requires mainenance for flushing the power steering UNLESS there is an existing problem.

 

True dat ^^^^, my Honda dealership recommends it every 60K just to be safe on the seals, cuz a PS rack isn't cheap for me or you (me as in parts)

 

Check a Helm manual and Forum search for the procedure. When you drain via the return hose you need the car running and turn the wheels full to the left and right etc.