Hi. I'm just curious to why Honda specifies their own specific power steering fluid while other car companies use atf and regular power steering fluid? What makes it different and/or special? If this topic has been discussed before please excuse me since I searched and can't find it. Thanks
Honda p/s fluid question
- Thread starter asiancivicmaniac
- Start date
- Status
When Honda specified their own power steering fluid, friction modified ATFs were basically unknown. Honda hasn't released a specification for their fluid, which is why none of the aftermarket replacements indicate they meet any Honda specification, but it's somewhat like some of the current crop of friction modified ATFs like Chrysler ATF+4 and so on.
.
.
I've heard explained that Honda power steering units run at higher temps and under harsher conditions, so they developed a specific fluid to help withstand higher temps to keep the pump from failing. I have no idea of the composition of their p.s. fluid but I wouldn't use anything else as it seems to work well and p.s. pump failures are very rare.
From what I found on the internet on an oil blender's site, their spec sheet between Honda and non-Honda have different viscosity (Honda is thicker) and Honda has Zn P Ca Mg in them (antiwear/ antioxidant).
Other than that I am not too sure.
Other than that I am not too sure.
Honda P/S fluid isn't excessively priced. Back in the day, a local Honda dealer would have Honda PSF-V for under $2 (12 oz), while the local auto parts store had an "equivalent" PS fluid "for Honda and Acura" for more than $2 (12 oz). I don't know what the typical price is these days, but it can't be in the stratosphere or anything.
BTW - I might have an extra unopened bottle (or two) of Honda PSF. I'd offer it for free except that mailing it would cost more than buying it.
BTW - I might have an extra unopened bottle (or two) of Honda PSF. I'd offer it for free except that mailing it would cost more than buying it.
MolaKule
Staff member
Pandabear is correct.
Their fluid is of a higher viscosity and has additional anti-wear additives over and above the run-of-the-mill ATF.
I suspect they had some design problems that required this special formulation of PS.
Their fluid is of a higher viscosity and has additional anti-wear additives over and above the run-of-the-mill ATF.
I suspect they had some design problems that required this special formulation of PS.
I'm not cheaping out or anything since my car is practically new so it doesn't need a change yet. I just felt very curious about it. I added an ounce of Lube Control to the ps fluid, will it do any good or harm or will it do nothing at all? Thanks
You might find this interesting.
Lubegard, the folks who make the Lubegard additives for transmissions, offer a power steering fluid that can be used in Hondas:
http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/pwrstr_fluid.html
and an additive:
http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/pwrstr_protectant.html
that will "Convert existing power steering fluid to Honda".
.
I don't know if you're addressing me but if you are I never stated anything about not using Honda. I was just curious to why Honda had their own specialized fluid.
Johnsens, Bardahl, Gunk.......sell Honda PS fluids.
The msds's list mineral oil + zdp.
They all seem to mention the AW/EP addtives, the antifoaming additives, seal conditioners, antirust/corrosion additives........on their websites.
It maybe better then generic PS fluids but doesn't seem to be any better then some ATF's.
The msds's list mineral oil + zdp.
They all seem to mention the AW/EP addtives, the antifoaming additives, seal conditioners, antirust/corrosion additives........on their websites.
It maybe better then generic PS fluids but doesn't seem to be any better then some ATF's.
I grabbed a bottle of Honda PSF and noticed something about the labelling. It says on the back:
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with used motor oil.
I know it's essentially a petroleum base oil and likely similar in composition to motor oil - perhaps not the same viscosity and/or a different proportion of additives. However - used PSF isn't loaded with the combustion products in used motor oil that may be toxic/carcinogenic. Just found it strange.
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with used motor oil.
I know it's essentially a petroleum base oil and likely similar in composition to motor oil - perhaps not the same viscosity and/or a different proportion of additives. However - used PSF isn't loaded with the combustion products in used motor oil that may be toxic/carcinogenic. Just found it strange.
- Status
Similar threads
