Power steering fluid - drain & refill

[GregoryS]

hello,
have a '96 Accord EX 4cyl.
early morning here in New Jersey, some slight squealing when turning the wheel.
is power steering in need of a fluid change? the level is good in the p.s. "bottle'

how do i drain and refill with all new fluid?

[Accordlover]

I feel we are in the same boat.

Its not the fluid, its the pump. The fluid should've been changed every 30k. The pump wears down with old age, mine started with squealing, now it just cuts in and out, I need to have it replaced soon to avoid damaging the rack internals (lack of proper lubrication from the pump = not good).

The pump lists for 185.00 at my honda dealer, plus 180 labor. If you decide to go aftermarket, it could be cheaper, but I don't do aftermarket, so I don't have much advice on it.

If you didn't change the P/S belt during the 90k miles (Timing belt, etc service) I suggest you change that as well. When did your first sign of failure occur? Mine started at 89k miles, and squeaked only when cold.

Tyler

[GregoryS]

Hey!
squeal started this winter - car now has 190,000 miles on clock. has been a great car.
she's due for timing belt/water-pump change, so will bite the bullet and have p.s. pump replaced before i do any fatal damage. would like to get another 60,000 miles from it.
thanks for your input...really appreciated! :thmsup: