Power Steering Fluid on Integra. Update!

[slycat]

Does ps fluid decline?..I've been driving my 97 integra for 1yr and i see it drop.
It used to be at MAX line...now it seems to have dipped and is between Max-Min.
Should i top it back up?...i know i should get genuine Acura ps fluid but i was wondering
if i need to flush and top or just top.

Update:
No dipstick. Where is the dipstick?...i only see a max_min on the translucent side.
Looked everywhere. Also, recently i realized my cold-start is very-very weak...almost like
its not gonna start...but it does, no need to do a double. but i remember it being much
better...anyway, after 1st cold-start, next starts are instant/great.

anything i need to worry about/check out?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: slycat
Does ps fluid decline?..I've been driving my 97 integra for 1yr and i see it drop.
It used to be at MAX line...now it seems to have dipped and is between Max-Min.
Should i top it back up?...i know i should get genuine Acura ps fluid but i was wondering
if i need to flush and top or just top.

If you notice it is a little low I would top it off. If it keeps happening you probably have a leak somewhere and should get it fixed. If you run it too low you will ruin the power steering pump and those can be expensive.

 

[slycat]

so its quite normal for the fluid to 'become less'?
i know they don't evaporate coz they're damn thick.
i don't see anything on the pavement where i park daily so i don't think its a leak.

 

[Swag1138]

I have the same problem with an 89 corolla. Would I be fine with just generic power steering fluid, or should I get something more expencive?

 

[Squisher]

How many times have you checked it in the last year?

Was it alright until recently?

Are you sure that each time you checked it it was at the same temp? The fluid expands quite a bit from cold to hot.

 

[BatmanNate]

You probably have a leak. It's a pain in the ass to track down usually for PS fluid so just keep it topped off and I wouldn't worry too much, unless one of the hoses is leaking on the timing belt or something.

Also, the reservoir should have a HOT high/low level and a COLD high/low level, make sure you are gauging it apporpriately.

 

[slycat]

i have NEVER noticed it...coz maybe i wasn't paying attention..or it didn't seem to be amiss.
But i noticed it starting a month ago. I'm pretty sure each time i checked it its cold engine, before driving. I think i'll make a mark and check it every week. if it dips, theres a problem correct?

 

[slycat]

i don't see a hot/cold high/low...just a MAX MIN thats it.

 

[gunblade]

Originally posted by: slycat
i don't see a hot/cold high/low...just a MAX MIN thats it.

Are you sure you are looking at the right one?

All of the cars(which includes altima, camry, corolla) that I have seen has the dip with hot/cold high/low markings.

I have the same problem and it is too expensive to get it fixed so I just check and top it off once a while.

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: gunblade

Originally posted by: slycat
i don't see a hot/cold high/low...just a MAX MIN thats it.

Are you sure you are looking at the right one?

All of the cars(which includes altima, camry, corolla) that I have seen has the dip with hot/cold high/low markings.

I have the same problem and it is too expensive to get it fixed so I just check and top it off once a while.

dip?...do i have to uncap the thing? i was just looking to the side of the reservoir.

 

[Eli]

Don't try and make marks on the dipstick, that's just silly. Just top it off. It should be full all the time.

If it goes down again, you have a leak. Just keep it topped off & it'll be fine until you can get it fixed.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: slycat

Originally posted by: gunblade

Originally posted by: slycat
i don't see a hot/cold high/low...just a MAX MIN thats it.

Are you sure you are looking at the right one?

All of the cars(which includes altima, camry, corolla) that I have seen has the dip with hot/cold high/low markings.

I have the same problem and it is too expensive to get it fixed so I just check and top it off once a while.

dip?...do i have to uncap the thing? i was just looking to the side of the reservoir.

Hmm.. I don't think I've ever seen a power steering reservoir that was translucent with the measurment on the side, but I don't doubt that they exist. Are you SURE you're looking at the PS fluid? lol.....

 

[slycat]

yeah..on the black CAP it says something about 'refill with genuine...power steering fluid'...

 

[slycat]

Update:
No dipstick. Where is the dipstick?...i only see a max_min on the translucent side.
Looked everywhere. Also, recently i realized my cold-start is very-very weak...almost like
its not gonna start...but it does, no need to do a double. but i remember it being much
better...anyway, after 1st cold-start, next starts are instant/great.

anything i need to worry about/check out?

 

[jensenja]

I have an '89 toyota camry so i don't know how relevant this will be, but I believe I have a leak somewhere in my power steering system. I just keep it topped off with generic power steering fluid. There should be a cap on the reservoir that you can twist off and twist back on. Fill it to the max line, but try not to go over too much since it will expand. Once you've added it, turn your car on and turn your steering wheel hard left and then hard right a couple of times to let the fluid cycle through. Just keep it topped off and you should be ok. Power steering fluid costs like $1.13 a quart so it's not like it's hitting you in the pockets or anything.

edit: There shouldn't really *be* a dipstick - all you need is the max and min line to tell if you're low or not.

 

[NutBucket]

There is no dipstick on honda PS systems. As long as its above min I wouldn't worry about it and yes, only use Honda fluid. Its different then the stuff you get in the store.

 

[slycat]

ahh..ok..coz i spent 1/2 hr reading and friggin looking for the damn dipstick...
i only found 2...one was oil, and other was labelled ATF...autotransmissionfluid i guess.
i'm gonna go and buy some fluid this weekend...i wonder if i can just buy honda ps fluid or
its gotta be acura..

 

[Kipper]

Check your owner's manual for the appropriate fluid or equivalent. Cold starts could be any one of a number of different problems - sensors, plugs...

 

[klah]

Chilton Acura Repair Manual

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: slycat
ahh..ok..coz i spent 1/2 hr reading and friggin looking for the damn dipstick...
i only found 2...one was oil, and other was labelled ATF...autotransmissionfluid i guess.
i'm gonna go and buy some fluid this weekend...i wonder if i can just buy honda ps fluid or
its gotta be acura..

honda, acura, same difference.