P/S recommendation

[Brogy]

Hi, I need a recommendation for my P/S unit, car is a 94 accord LX with 135k miles.

Honda isnt making it easy, according to them I have to use their fluid. Anyway, the pump makes a buzzy noise every time I turn the wheel, and when I turn the wheel hard it feels like the power steering cuts out, it becomes really heavy, but becomes light again, all in under a second.

I dont know what the owner had in there previously, but I siphoned the old stuff out, and put in some fluid for honda vehicles, that I found at walmart, not approved by honda but meets their requirements. Nothing changed when I replaced it.

I was wondering what can I do, more importantly what can I add?? Would my best bet be going to the honda dealer and buying a few bottles of their stuff? Or is there any other fluid I can use, not approved for hondas? Basically if this were your car what would you do?

Thanks

 

[Vaca]

It's my understanding that you HAVE to use Honda-specific PS fluid.

I'd buy three containers (I think they're 12 oz.) from a dealer and turkey baster the reservoir as many times as you can with the three containers of Honda PS fluid.

Hopefully this will help the buzz.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I always just use the Honda OEM Power Steering Fluid. Keep in mind though, it's pretty cheap and a bastering only takes one of the 12oz. bottles. It gets pretty dark pretty quick though, probably from mixing with the old fluid. I'd do it at least once a year.

 

[Brogy]

Thanks, I figured i'd be getting some honda oem stuff pretty soon. I bought 3 bottles, drained the resivour, poured a new bottle in, turned the wheel around a bit, then repeated. System does run much smoother now. Better for $5 a bottle!


I did notice the stuff I removed was red, which makes me think the guy before me used transmission fluid. Oh well, runs good now anyways, honda stuff was pure clear btw.