We are the only owners of this 03 Accord 4cyl with 280,000+ on it and the power steering pump is making groaning noises but only when outside temps go colder and in the summer months its fine. I believe when checking fluid levels I would top them off with Auto Parts fluids and them saying good for Honda's.. So the pump was changed out for a O'Reilys Re man #990-0656 from MasterPro which right after the initial startup it has a problem with groaning noises but this time its a more higher pitch. I now have a New PS pump bought from Rock Auto its a Cardone 965341 (96-5341).

That being said can I flush the system with O'Reilly's store brand clear in color (not red) fluid that states it can be used for the big three car manufactures as well the label says its formulated for "virtually" all domestic and foreign manufactures PS systems but the words Honda isn't on it at all. Will this fluid be of harm to the cars system to use all the time or do I need to use the Honda OEM brand as others have stated to use because of possible problems in seal deterioration and such. Just cant see Honda making parts for the cars that have to use There Brand of fluids for "lubrication" purposes.

 

It's not the brand that matters, its the viscosity of the fluid. You must use fluid specifically made for Honda power steering systems. The same goes for old Toyotas, some were designed to use automatic transmission fluid instead of power steering.
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What year did Honda start using special Honda pow. strg. fluid or did they always use the special fluid? Don't remember what pow. strg. fluid I use for our 96 Toyota Camry since you mentioned Toyota's thinking its a clear solution though and not anything red, Mileage on the Camry is at 295,000+ and still on its Original pump this I know as I drove it off the showroom floor.

 

I can't say for sure, but I just changed my bro-in-laws very noisy pump with a new one, and all my sources said to be sure to use the Honda brand fluid. He was using aftermarket stuff, and I flushed it all out. I figured enough recommendations must be good enough to do so. By the way - I take it by your user name you have a truck I have a '68!

 

Apparently the non-Honda PS fluid will be bad for the seals and O-rings.