I see that many of you guys say to only use honda oem power steering fluid. Previously to reading the posts I purchased some Prestone Synthetic power steering fluid. Will that work well with my car or do I need the actual Honda fluid. This is a synthetic fluid so I'm not sure how compatible it is. Thanks for any input. -Dan

 

There is something unique about Honda fluid. Unless the stuff you have is specifically labeled as being OK for Honda (and not just "major car manufacturers"; does Prestone consider Honda a major manufacturer or not?) you should not use it. Many many people have reported that the seals in their steering rack started to leak shortly after using a generic fluid.

 

i'm using the Prestone, no problems here.

 

How long have you been using non-Honda fluid? The gearbox seals may begin to leak down the line. If so, the entire steering gearbox/rack would need to be replaced.

 

I have been using it for a few months.
What's wrong with the Prestone power steering fluid?

 

There's nothing wrong with Prestone PS fluid per se. My understanding is that most PS fluids (those not specifically recommended for use with Hondas) lack key additives that prevent deterioration of the rubber seals used in Honda PS systems.

Additional note: Though I have always used only genuine Honda PS fluid, my 11 year-old steering gearbox still recently developed a minor leak from the passenger-side seal. While this leak is not significant enough to justify replacing the rack, the lesson here is that the use of Honda PS fluid won't prevent all leaks. Nonetheless, I believe that the chances of developing a major leak are substantially greater if you don't use Honda PS fluid. Given the cost and difficulty of replacing the gearbox, I think the use of Honda PS fluid will likely save time and money down the line.

 

What about Prestone Power Steering Fluid +Stop Leak?

 

Ive used prestone on my other civic and it never gave me trouble. I had the car for about a year

 

Honda Power Steering fluid is apparently a silicon based fluid...what this means is that with time moisture and condensation that builds essentially makes the power steering fluid less effective and does not lubricate as well. Since it is a silicon based fluid the "water down" effect does not happen because the fluid and water will not mix.