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Honda Civic: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Is it time to change the power steering fluid in your Honda Civic? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to complete the task right, the first time around.

By Brett Foote - March 16, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Changing fluids is one of the most important tasks in vehicle maintenance, but one that is often overlooked is power steering fluid. Honda generally recommends inspecting all fluids every 20,000 miles and replacing as needed. While power steering fluid is known to last a pretty long time, if your fluid is dirty, then it's a good idea to replace it. There are many types of power steering fluid available, but Honda recommends only using Honda fluids. Using cheaper fluids might save you a few dollars, but this is a job you won't be doing very often. Spend the extra few dollars and stick to the genuine stuff.

Materials Needed

  • Drain pan
  • Vice grips
  • Length of rubber hose
  • Funnel

Step 1 – Drain old power steering fluid

Pop the hood and find the power steering fluid reservoir. Place a metal pan under the car to catch any inevitable spills. Plug off the return line coming from the reservoir with a pair of vice grips or a similar tool. Remove the clamp holding the bottom of the return line to the power steering pump. Plug the end of the line and set it aside. Plug a length of hose into the reservoir and set the other end in a drain pan. Start your engine and turn the wheel from lock to lock until all the fluid has drained out.

Figure 1. Power steering fluid reservoir on a Honda Civic.

Step 2 – Fill power steering fluid reservoir

Remove the length of hose and hook the return line back onto the reservoir. Replace the clamp if the old one is damaged. Use a funnel to fill the reservoir to the fill line, then install the cap. Start the car and turn the wheel lock to lock to make sure all the air is out of the system. The fluid level will go down a little once this is done, so you will have to add a little more to get it back up. Turn the wheel lock to lock again and recheck your fluid level.

Figure 2. Turn the wheels lock to lock and recheck your fluid level.

Featured Video: How to Change Power Steering Fluid in Civic

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