Is there a filter or screen inside the p/s fluid reservior on my '91 Accord LX wagon? If so, can it be replaced or does the whole reservior need to be replaced to have a new clean filter or screen?

I just finished installing a steering rack, all new p/s hoses, and resealing my p/s pump. My fluid was pretty dirty. Nothing in the steering system had been serviced in it's 315k miles so far. We don't want a car payment so it looks like the old wagon is going to get a whole bunch of work.

 

Bump

 

There is a paper element filter inside, but it cannot be changed. it seems the only fix is a new one from Honda which runs $38 or so

 

I have clean the screen out without any problem for precaution. But even cleaning needed? If you don't have clog, then sucking out the old fluid and replace new is more than efficient. If it's clogged then remove the reservoir, use brake fluid to thorough clean it. Blow compressed air to dry and put in a little new fluid in there while the reservoir is still off to check for flow. Then reinstall the reservoir. What I did was draw old fluid from reservoir, put in new fluid, jack the front of the car up, then steering lock to lock 3X, then engine off, draw old fluid, in new fluid, etc... I did it 5 times and it's about 90% clean. Only use Honda's fluid. Remember, that the fluid is clear in the bottle, once expose to air, it will turn yellow. So if you see yellow does not mean it's old.

 

Thanks for the response guys.