Honda P/S Fluid for Non-Hondas

[DBMaster]

This is a "Coffee Talk with Linda Richman" topic:

If Honda Power Steering fluid is supposedly synthetic and purportedly better than all other fluids in a Honda/Acura P/S system shouldn't it be THE BEST fluid to use in ALL P/S systems - discuss...

 

[RiceCake]

Not likely. The only reason to make a proprietary fluid that I can think of is seal compatibility and viscosity. So Honda Power Steering Fluid could be bad for seals in a regular PS pump, or it could be the wrong viscosity, which could make it whine, feel bad, etc, whatever.

But thats my guess, I still don't know why Honda Power Steering Fluid is anything but hard to find and expensive.

 

[Dave Hess]

Use the AAP Honda spec fluid + the discount codes.

 

[JOD]

I have to say, I've wondered this same thing. My Ford is hard on PS fluid. Flushing it with M1 Synthetic ATF and doing regular drain/fills every other oil change has kept things going just fine, but I do wonder if the thicker fluid would help, since the system seems to run so hot. It's significantly thicker than ATF (12.3 cSt @100c). I actually have some on hand, so I've thought about trying it.

 

[Garak]

Maybe, maybe not. If your conjecture were true, shouldn't we all be going to Pentosin CHF 11S?

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: JOD
I have to say, I've wondered this same thing. My Ford is hard on PS fluid. Flushing it with M1 Synthetic ATF and doing regular drain/fills every other oil change has kept things going just fine, but I do wonder if the thicker fluid would help, since the system seems to run so hot. It's significantly thicker than ATF (12.3 cSt @100c). I actually have some on hand, so I've thought about trying it.


Ford Oz use Mobil 424 tractor fluid as their factory fill PS fluid on the Falcons and variants.

It's just under 10cst, has AW additives (GL-4)

 

[DBMaster]

The logic is faulty, I know. Thus the SNL reference. I was just curious. I have the remains of a bottle of Honda-spec fluid from Prestone and wondered if I could use it someday, or if I should just give it to somebody with a Honda.

 

[charbaby]

I have use Honda Power Steering fluid in a wide variety of vehicles such as GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda. Even helped slowdown a leak in an old '88 Grand Marquis that my dad owned before he passed away.

Honda Power Steering fluid is all that I use in my 1980 Firebird FORMULA P/S unit...Have for years!

I also thought there was P/S noise in my daughters car so, I used Honda Power Steering fluid in her '06 Mazda3 when she bought it in 2009. Only to discover the unit is electric P/S. I did a turkey baster method and added the Honda Power Steering fluid to her unit. Everything is FINE... I have recently done the unit again but this time with IMV ATF. P/S unit is smooth!

I have some sticky/hard steering in my wifes Lexus and used Honda Power Steering fluid it this unit which calls for DEXRON. The Honda Power Steering fluid hasn't helped but, it didn't hurt either. Needs more attention I guess. No leaks or noises, just stiff!

Honda Power Steering fluid works fine and won't hurt anything that I am aware of. The Honda Power Steering fluid worked well in curing the morning sickness in many GM units and can certainly be used as a topoff in just about any vehicles P/S unit, if you have some Honda Power Steering fluid remaining.

 

[DBMaster]

Yup - on the Mazda. It specifies ATF as the PSF, not even "Mazda PSF." It is a hydraulic system, but the pump is electric rather than belt driven. They call it "electrohydraulic." LOL.

 

[artificialist]

I remember getting a container of NAPA brand Honda Power Steering Fluid. It said it was approved for use in vehicles other than Hondas.

It was my understanding that Honda developed the stuff in the 1980s because most 1980s power steering racks didn't last.