Honda power steering fluid?

[roadrunner1]

What is so different with a honda power steering system that it calls for a completely different fluid than most other manufacturers?
I have one honda in the fleet, my sons '95. Checking things over the other day and I noticed the P/S tank at the add line.
After consulting the owners manual and realizing that I had no oil that met that spec I used some ISO 32 hydraulic fluid, John Deere low vis.

 

[charbaby]

Well, I don't know what makes Honda Power Steering Fluid special. What I do know is, I have had Honda's in the past and have used the wrong P/S fluid on one of them and lost my steering return. In other words, I had to bring the steering wheel back on center myself as though hydrolic pressure was missing. I didn't loose total power steering though. This lack of steering return had gone on for months until I got around to changing the fluid back to Honda Power Steering fluid. Then all was well again and I never did have any other issues with the steering right up till I sold the car years later.

Other folks may loose total power steering or something entirely different or their steering system may develope leaks or noises. All I know about their P/S fluid is that it is correct for their vehicles and works well in other MFG's system as well.

I have used Honda Power Steering fluid in other mfg's p/s systems to eliminate noises or binding caused by their required power steering fluid. I have used Honda Power Steering fluid in many GM vehicles P/S systems to eliminate groaning or "morning sickness" as it was called by many. And I have used it in many other vehicles as a topoff where ATF was required in the P/S system all with good results/no issues!

I am currently(and have been for many years) using only Honda Power Steering fluid in my '80 Firebird FORMULA V8'S p/s unit that requires GM P/S fluid.
Also in my daughters Mazda3 system as a topoff along with Castrol IMV ATF. And also as a topoff in my wife's Lexus that requires DEXRON ATF as it's power steering fluid. All with good results...maybe even better than what is required.

LubeGard by ILI makes a Honda Power Steering Fluid and a power steering fluid additive that turns any power steering fluid into Honda Power Steering Fluid and says so on the label.

Also, many other brands of power steering fluid will state on their label that: Not sutable for Honda/Acura systems

 

[bruckus]

Walmart sells a Honda Power Steering fluid made just for Honda/Acura for around 2 bucks. I believe it is made by prestone. I don't know what makes Honda fluid different but for a couple bucks why gamble.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: bruckus
Walmart sells a Honda Power Steering fluid made just for Honda/Acura for around 2 bucks. I believe it is made by prestone. I don't know what makes Honda fluid different but for a couple bucks why gamble.


Lot's of companys make a "Honda Power Steering Fluid" although none are endorced by Honda. I have used Honda Power Steering fluid made by... mostly, Bardahl(from W*M), and then, Pyrol(Valvoline), Accel, LubeGard and of course, Honda Genuine.

The one Honda Power Steering fluid that caused my original steering issue(loss of return) was made by STP(JUNK) for use in Honda Power Steering systems, and I never saw it again on store shelves. But, I have had good success with the one that I mentioned.

 

[K20FA5]

I've been using the Preston stuff that is made for Honda/Acura from WalMart for turkey baster changes on my Pilot at every oil change. No problems with this stuff at all. I will continue to use it since it's much easier to get and cheaper than the dealer stuff.

 

[PandaBear]

Honda Power Steering Fluid is thicker and has antiwear / detergent additives in it.