You know Drew, it's amazing how once you know a phrase, the brain automatically fills in the missing word, even those of us reading it, I never noticed the mistake, but someone always manages to grab and quote it before you can correct :biggrin:?
So true, Mike. It's not the first time it's happened.... and probably won't be the last. I usually reread my posts, but I went straight to sleep after typing it. :smile
I'm surprised at how many posts I've seen over the years about what appears to be dark, and sometimes described as dirty fluid (reservoir strainer full of sediment), mine was spotlessly clean and the fluid always looked like new even before I added a filter.
My driving is mainly highway and little steering load or parking. So I have to wonder if, in this discussion for the need (or not) of an add on PS filter, is it driving conditions? IE, people holding the steering hard over while waiting to turn (bad idea in any case if rear ended) or lots of slow speed car park manoeuvring, or some underlying pump condition? or incorrect fluid (if owner bought a used vehicle and is servicing PS fluid himself for the first time)
Thoughts?
Well Mike, living in NYC and Atlanta for my entire driving life, I've never been afforded the exquisite pleasure of highway cruising for the majority of my driving. Even on the highway, I'm switching lanes like mad to get anywhere.... so I have no idea how my fluid would look with low turnage. LOL
FWIW, lets recall that Honda doesn't even have a suggested replacement interval for PS Fluid. Now, I know that might not be saying much - given their 100K transmission service interval and the failures on the V6, but at least they didn't build a shitty PS system, that I know of. So in refreshing the fluid periodically, I believe you're way ahead of the game. I do wish the system wasn't one that required Honda brand fluid though. I'd have converted to ATF a long time ago, if that was the case. Sometimes I'm still tempted, but think best of it.
My fluid has always been dark looking in the canister. Even after repeated refreshes with fresh fluid, it doesn't get much lighter and I'd probably go broke, trying to get it that way. Color aside, I never see any collection of sediment. One thing I've been careful of, is to never employ a replacement method where the pump is running and there is even a hint of starvation. It's counter-productive, damaging the pump even slightly, in trying to preserve it's life . I've never heard as much as a peep or slight moan from this pump. With the engine off, wheels off the ground, and ignition unlocked, it will expel fluid simply by turning the wheel lock to lock and having the return hose in another container. Usually though, I just turn the canister upside down, with the hoses still attached (only possible with i4). I'm always sure to check the mesh filter at the bottom of the canister and again, no sediment... it's always clear. As with most things, unimpeded flow and good viscosity is key! I'm not the least bit worried about failure on this PS system.
...Drew...