Honda Element Power Steering Fluid Change/Flush

[@OpporTUNAtySportfishing]

This is the only video out right now they shows the CORRECT way to do this with this particular vehicle. Thank you.

[@brycecarlson]

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@SirSamsalot]

Great time to check hoses for splits and cracks too. Degraded rubber will color the fluid. Cheers! Great video!

[@itstime3088]

Just did this to my Odyssey I was scared to started the engine, but after pushing front tires for 5min I gave in. Start engine was the best option, thanks!

[@brycecarlson]

Glad it helped!

[@brycecarlson]

To add to that from another comment someone made. If fact as odd as it seems starting it with just the fluid in the reservoir dumping that is what the factory service manual calls for: Check out section 17-12 in the OEM Honda factory service manual here: hondaelementparts.com/honda-e... "1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return hose to drain the reservoir. Take care not to spill the fluid on the body and parts . Wipe off any spilled fluid at once. 2. Connect a hose of suit able diameter to the disconnected return hose, and put the hose end in a suitable container. 3. Start the engine , let it run at idle, and turn the steering whee l from lock-to-Iock several times. When fluid stops running out of the hose, shut-off the engine, Discard the fluid. 4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir. 5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line. 6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the steering from lock-to-lock several times to bleed air from the system. 7. Recheck the fluid level and add more if necessary. Do not fill the reservoir beyond the upper level line."

[@jackchen5882]

Love the glove thumb idea, going to try that this week…thanks

[@brycecarlson]

Hope it works for you!

[@MarianneMartin-hy7ls]

Just learned that you do NOT have to turn the motor on if you lift the front end. Also helps keep you from running the system dry

[@dquangt]

If i remember last time i did, after i emptied the system, i turned the wheel lock to lock without turning the engine on and continued filling the reservoir as needed. That filled the system up and pushed the bubbles out.

[@brycecarlson]

Yes; that also works. Especially if you lift the front wheels off the ground.

[@nicholaspetre1]

Exactly the video I was looking for. Thanks!

[@brycecarlson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iallreadyknowsunshine57]

I’ve checked the Oem Honda specifications for their power steering fluid and I’ve checked penrite brand power steering specifications and the penrite brand oil exceeds the Oem requirements for Honda so your paying for the name Honda and it’s a lot more expensive here in Australia than the penrite brand power steering oil is. I’ve used penrite in my old Toyota Camry for transmission oil and power steering oil and never had any problems with years of driving. If it’s mineral oil based and it exceeds the Oem specifications it’s perfectly fine to use. It’s the same with Honda oil filters,they are double the price of ryco or ac delco but are exactly the same inside.

[@brycecarlson]

Interesting that it is more expensive there. It is the same or cheaper here. Thanks for the info.

[@jeffkeryk3550]

I use a MityVac to suck out the reservoir, then hook up the tube to the return line and suck out the system. I remove the reservoir and spray it out with brake cleaner. Put it back in, fill reservoir and continue to suck new fluid through the system. Very easy...

[@apaches04soccer]

is it true the 2003 also has a power steering filter located under the manifold?

[@brycecarlson]

@@apaches04soccer not sure. This is the first time I heard that.

[@jfsurvivior]

Thanks for your help your time 12,04,24 atte javier

[@Dweeno]

Do you know the model of your power steering or number? I would like one

[@brycecarlson]

@@Dweeno I do not know the part number offhand. However, if you go to Honda parts now.com and punch in your Vin or year and model Honda it will tell you what power steering pump number your vehicle requires.

[@martymiller4300]

If the zero pressure hose from the reservoir to the pump has ANY residue of fluid on it it’s leaking. Since P S fluid has less viscosity than air and since it’s a suction hose it’s a given that if fluid is getting out air is getting in. Feeding the pump air with the fluid will result in noise and reduced assist. Replacing that hose is a whole lot cheaper than replacing the pump and needs done anyway, and you’re halfway done when the reservoir is empty during fluid change.

[@Pandher-kn3pv]

Where is your workshop

[@brycecarlson]

I do not have one. I am just a DIYer

[@vandiyplant921]

Hi where did you get your syringe?

[@brycecarlson]

Fleet Farm; it was in the animal medical supply area. Works well for jobs like this.

[@talthan]

noticed i was lower than the low mark so not being near anything I tosed in some lucas PS (but not leak stop) hope that is ok

[@weekendhikers]

very informative video with cool tricks! I have few question if you can answer, - did you use 2 or 3 bottles of fluid for this whole flush? - do you turn power steering left to right only at the end or every time you turn on a car after filling the reservoir?

[@brycecarlson]

Thanks! It was a while ago but I think 3 and yes I did left to right each time I refilled.

[@weekendhikers]

@@brycecarlson thank you!!

[@intensivemanagement]

How much fluid does the system hold from empty?

[@brycecarlson]

The Honda Service Manual (p. 17-12 in the 2003-2006 edition) notes the system capacity of 0.87 quart and reservoir capacity of 0.28 quart. I presume the above reservoir capacity is included in the system capacity figure but it does not specify.

[@intensivemanagement]

@@brycecarlson thank you

[@yosephisrael6833]

Where can I get that plastic tube you use for the return hose and what size?

[@brycecarlson]

I bought mine from a local hardware store from a bulk role. I had a few feet on hand. Here is a link to some from Home Depot: www.homedepot.com/p/UDP-3-8-in-I-D-x-1-2-in-O-D-x-100-ft-Clear-Vinyl-Tubing-with-Dispenser-Box-T10004008/304185196

[@yosephisrael6833]

@@brycecarlson thank you bro

[@arthursmith643]

Use a $1.00 turkey baster. Same thing

[@MarkBerry-fx7zp]

I’ve replaced the pump the shop said they don’t do a flush He said the whining will go after I get a flush .Do you think this is right to believe that?

[@brycecarlson]

Depends. Whining sounds usually are from a bad bearing in the pump. If the pump is full of fluid a flush/change would not change that as it is mechanically bad. Now, if the system has some air in it and the flush gets the air out then it might go away. Hard to say exactly.

[@bosun120]

How often is this service recommended to be done by the Honda service manual?

[@arthursmith643]

Most would say about every thirty thousand miles. Just check it if is clean on a white cloth it’s fine. If it’s light brown or dark change it. You can use Idemitsu universal power steering fluid. You don’t have to buy Honda fluid. Buy Idemitsu at any Napa Autozone or auto parts store. Use a turkey baster to remove the old fluid. Replace with new fluid drive around the block a few times. Repeat and your done very simple. Good Luck

[@arthursmith643]

Do the same with your brake fluid.

[@ivanska3099]

How many bottles did you use?

[@brycecarlson]

4 or 5 if I recall correctly.

[@TravelwitP]

I did this and now my car keeps dying and idling low

[@cumshot247]

Oh no... maybe you used the wrong diameter hose.

[@livetoinspireall2755]

Not related idle issues; clean or replace your plugs and IACV

[@SeahawkAz]

Look into the power steering pressure sensor if it’s bad/failing it will no longer communicate with the ECU that the idle needs to be higher when you steer this happens at low vehicle speeds

[@blee3509]

You ran the pump dry. May have cause damage. I will not follow you method.

[@brycecarlson]

Check out section 17-12 in the OEM Honda factory service manual here: hondaelementparts.com/honda-element-service-manual/ "1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return hose to drain the reservoir. Take care not to spill the fluid on the body and parts . Wipe off any spilled fluid at once. 2. Connect a hose of suit able diameter to the disconnected return hose, and put the hose end in a suitable container. 3. Start the engine , let it run at idle, and turn the steering whee l from lock-to-Iock several times, When fluid st ops running out of the hose, shut-off the engine, Discard the fluid. 4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir. 5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line. 6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the steering from lock-to-lock several times to bleed air from the system. 7. Recheck the fluid level and add more if necessary. Do not fill the reservoir beyond the upper level line."

[@KURTSSPOT]

But great video👍👍👍

[@brycecarlson]

Thanks!

[@KURTSSPOT]

Tractor factory sells a quart and gallon fluid pump - it’s perfect - hand held - $7.99 it pays for its self after one - LOL

[@KURTSSPOT]

I would only drain the reservoir - fill it, run it,drain reservoir again and fill it. That’s all you need to do.