Extreme newbie Honda power steering fluid question

[Lyondellic]

Like a lot of folks, I have neglected to replace the power steering fluid in my Honda vehicles. I would like to use a hand pump or turkey baster to perform drain/fills of the power steering reservoir, but have the ultimate newbie question.

The power steering reservoir on my wife's '06 Pilot (57K miles) and my '07 Civic (10K miles) has a cover that somewhat resembles the cover on the brake fluid reservoir. On top of this cover is a red cap that is about 1" in diameter. Do I need to remove the entire cover, or just the red cap to service the power steering fluid? Thanks for your replies and try not to laugh at me too hard.

 

[JakeR22]

You just remove the red cap.

I just the turkey baster method.

I attached a 3/8" fuel hose on the end of the baster, then I put a 3/8" steel line inside the hose, the steel line is small enough to reach inside the resevoir.

 

[rationull]

Good idea on the fuel hose. I've only drawn fluid out once, for a UOA on the PS fluid when my 07 Civic's power steering pump was being replaced under warranty, but I didn't draw much out. I just used a baster on its own and it was kind of a PITA to keep the fluid from spilling on the way out.


Lyondellic: are you actually going to change the Civic's fluid after only 10k miles, or just the Pilot's?

 

[Mr Nice]

I would just wait till 100K miles and remove the low pressure PS hose and drain it that way.

 

[kazual]

Why wait till 100,000 miles? That fluid will be cooked and full of shavings.

What I like to do is empty the reservoir by a baster and refill with fresh fluid at each oil change. This keeps the fluid within spec and fairly clean to lubricate the power steering pump.

 

[mechtech2]

100,000 miles?
Why not 200,000 miles?
I like frequent changes with the turkey baster of the PS system.
At every oil change is great.