Power Steering Fluid - best choices and price

I went to purchase Honda power steering fluid to flush out and replace the fluid in
my 2002 Accord.

Is this still true that I should only use Honda brand?
They said I need two 12 oz bottles. I that correct?
If not, is there a larger bottle sold (he said no).?

Thanks - JackRazz at sbcglobal dot net

 

I think another manufacture makes Honda steering fluid (Bardahl), but
we are talking about a 2002 vehicle, and I am guessing $8 per bottle
of Honda steering fluid.

Live a little and give the car what it needs or face a very pricey new
power steering system. Like Fram used to say, you can pay me now or
pay me later.

 

Just curious: Did you do some sort of work on the PS system that warrants
flushing out and replacing the PS fluid? Or is it actually recommended in the
2002 Accord's maintenance schedule? That would surprise me.

My 1991 Civic's maintenance schedule does not per se call for such a
flush/replacement. It only suggests inspection. As a result, I've never done a
full PS fluid replacement. I did add a little a couple of years ago and last
month (with a purge) after removing the PS pump to do some work in the timing
belt area.

I use "Coastal Honda Power Steering" fluid sold at Autozone, Checkers, Pep Boys,
and the like. I think it's termed "OEM compatible" and has some other words on
the bottle assuring the user it's as good as OEM. I think it was around $3 per
12 oz. bottle. I have had no problems with the PS system.

 

My dealer left me with the impression that there are several
'lifetime' fluids in my car (98 civic). Some of them being
coolant,P/S fluid, and Brake Fluid. These fluids don't
need to be replaced until a service on this system is
needed, for instance with coolant, you could probably wait
until the water pump or thermostat needs doing, and replace
the fluid at that point.

t

 

| Just curious: Did you do some sort of work on the PS system that warrants
| flushing out and replacing the PS fluid? Or is it actually recommended in the
| 2002 Accord's maintenance schedule? That would surprise me.

Nope, but I plan on changing it slightly ahead of scheduled maintenance. I don't
remember what the schedule requires, but its getting dark and its been over 2 years.
Don't know what causes it to get so dark. I'm sure its accumulated some water in it,
which causes that stainless steel rack to develop pits. This happened to me on our
last car (camry lasted 180k on that crud i left in it.) and I knew this time I would
stay ahead of schedule on the fluids. I'll probably flush out the antifreeze around
75k instead of the 100k also. Its too inexpensive vs. the pain it is to pull a
steering rack assy.

| I use "Coastal Honda Power Steering" fluid sold at Autozone, Checkers, Pep Boys,
| and the like. I think it's termed "OEM compatible" and has some other words on
| the bottle assuring the user it's as good as OEM. I think it was around $3 per
| 12 oz. bottle. I have had no problems with the PS system.

Goggling this newsgroup has shown quite a few saying to avoid non-Honda brands due to
leaking problems. I want to play it safe.


Regards JackRazz