Power Steering fluid

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Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
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MEchanic replaed my "rack and pinion" steering gizmo, and used generic power steering fluid.

The aformentioned car is a 1990 Honda Accord.

It has come to my attention that Honda's require a special mineral-based PS fluid. ....


Is this true? If so, waht are the ramifications of the mechanics actions? Should I drain it imediately, or is it too late?
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
I'm curious what your owner's manual says. It may not mention using synthetic oil in the crankcase, but I doubt you'd have any objection to doing so. I think they have to list a certain specification that the fluid has to meet. Otherwise, you'd be stuck buying only their branded fluids at inflated prices.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Your mechanic screwed up. Never use anything bot Honda Spec power steering fluid in a Honda. It will eventually cause your rack to leak.

You can either buy genuine Honda fluid froma dealer or go to an auto parts store such as Autozone where they will have power steering fluid specifically for Hondas. Either way it is cheap, and you need to do it now before that stuff damages your PS system.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Originally posted by: Ornery
A 'Universal' product can meet Honda's specs:
  • Honda Power Steering Fluid
    • Part # 2612, 12 oz., 12 per case
      A specially formulated power steering fluid for Honda vehicles.

    Universal Power Steering Fluid
    • Part # 2912, 12 oz., 12 per case
      Meets most domestic and import vehicle specification including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota and Nissan.
Click to expand...

It can maybe possibly meet Honda specs...but do you really want to take that chance? Replacing the Honda Power steering rack is an expensive job.

Buy OEM fluid or buy one of the generics that specifically say for Hondas for $2.00 at Autozone Walmart etc.

If you want more info, search the forums at www.honda-tech.com for Power Steering fluid.
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
I found this. Keep in mind, they even have reservations about using synthetic oil!

Why must I use Honda-brand power steering fluid in my system?
  • The additives formulated into the Honda PSF-S help prevent two crucial areas of concern for steering systems -- component wear and oxidation. During testing, Honda PSF-S had an 8° to 9° higher resistance to oxidation than the next best competitor.

    Always use Genuine Honda power steering fluid. If it is not available, you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement. However, continued use can cause increased wear and poor steering in cold weather. Have the power steering system flushed and refilled with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
This reminds me of the campaign to "Only use genuine GM parts!"
rolleye.gif
 
Turkish

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
Dude, either your mechanic is an idiot, or he didn't use a generic PS fluid.
If he used a generic one, it can cause trouble in the near future. I don't know about Hondas, don't take my word on it, but using a generic power steering fluid in VW/Audi/MB/BMW will fvck your PS system in no time. It will break the seals inside, also even worse, after the system starts to break down, your car is not going to function like a car without PS. Steering will plainly suck.
 
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Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
FVCK!


<---going to call and yell at mechanic immediately.


THIS SUCKS>....


As for who "my mechanic" is, he is just "some guy" my aunt knows...she has a toyota :|.....H



He is replacing my front rotors right now..he wanted $60/rotor ...lol..at least iknew WTF I was talking about and got it down to $28/rotor......with $30 for the install .....


I have an "interesting" history with mechaniocs as I can't afford quality ones..:(

1st mechanic's version of fixing a bent front passenger-side rim was to put a 15'' inch with 15'' tire on there......

 
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Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: Ornery
A 'Universal' product can meet Honda's specs:
Click to expand...


I would not trust that. Most honda are VERY picky and require Honda ONLY Trans fluid and they REALLY do require there special steering fluid.

I would drain the rack if he did use the reg stuff and refill with Honda.

 
G

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Originally posted by: Ornery

A 'Universal' product can meet Honda's specs:
Click to expand...





I would not trust that. Most honda are VERY picky and require Honda ONLY Trans fluid and they REALLY do require there special steering fluid.



I would drain the rack if he did use the reg stuff and refill with Honda.
Click to expand...

THanks to everyone for your help.


I'm going to call and bitch him out about this..I ASKED him and he said it was fine.....


Last time I trust that guy.....
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
Hondas are also generally very picky about transmission fuid. While newer Hondas say they can use Detxron III in a pinch, nothing but Genuine Honda Z1 transmission fluid really seems to work properly. It even improves shifting on 80's Hondas which were not originally speced for that fluid.

On Hondas Always go with OEM or Specifically for Honda aftermarket PS fluid, and use the genuine Honda ATF Z1 ATF fluid. The stuff isn't that expensive and it is known to work well.
 
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tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
76
BTW, if you want to change the PS fluid yourself. Go to honda dealership and buy two bottels of genuine Honda PS fluid. They should be about $3.50 each.

Then go buy yourself a turkey baster (large). Use turkey baster to suck as much fluid out of the PS resevoir as you can, and replace it with 1 bottle of the real stuff. (there is a max fill line on the side of the resevoir to indicate where to fill it to) DO not get the PS fluid on your paint, it will eat right through it and clean up and spills. Drive around for a week, and then do this again, this should get all the non-spec fluid out without having to disconnect things and make a big mess.

 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Using the wrong PS fluid can definitely be bad. When I got my 924S the PO had it filled with generic power steering fluid. Problem is that the ZF power steering rack that was used requires GM transmission fluid. The regular fluid ate some gaskets and I had to have the rack re-built. :|

ZV
 
G

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Using the wrong PS fluid can definitely be bad. When I got my 924S the PO had it filled with generic power steering fluid. Problem is that the ZF power steering rack that was used requires GM transmission fluid. The regular fluid ate some gaskets and I had to have the rack re-built. :|

ZV
Click to expand...

damn...wtf is power steering fluid made of?!? IT sounds like the most corrosive stuff imaginable..!!! I thought it was similar to engine oil:confused:
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Originally posted by: Goosemaster
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Using the wrong PS fluid can definitely be bad. When I got my 924S the PO had it filled with generic power steering fluid. Problem is that the ZF power steering rack that was used requires GM transmission fluid. The regular fluid ate some gaskets and I had to have the rack re-built. :|

ZV
Click to expand...
damn...wtf is power steering fluid made of?!? IT sounds like the most corrosive stuff imaginable..!!! I thought it was similar to engine oil:confused:
Click to expand...
No, it's not that corrosive, just that seals designed for one formulation can dry out if a different formulation without those conditioners is used. Basically, the seals are made with the assumption that certain things will be in the fluid so the seals need those conditioners. Other fluids don't have them and seals dry up.

ZV
 
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