Is Honda PS fluid something special? I've used whatever PS fluid in my old cars (previously GMs).

I also never disconnected any hoses to change it. Just sucked out the old stuff, put new in, started the car and turned wheels back and forth a few times, then repeated a couple times until the fluid looked decent again.

 

I've considered doing it this way as well, but by blocking off the return line I can flush the system faster while using less fluid overall.

Considering how expensive the fluid seems to be, I'd rather just get it done by removing the return line.

From everything I've been reading Honda fluid does seem to be specific and using other fluids can cause issues.

 

Yes, Honda PSF is pretty unique. Two acquaintances used non-Honda PSF on their Gen 3 vans, and the power steering pumps, in both occasions, liberated a significant amount of internal rubber sealing material. Both required pump replacement.

When I get back from work, I'll check and see what I've got in one of my garage cabinets. Somewhere I've got a section of PSF return hose with a bolt clamped into one end to block off the return side of the reservoir.

I used MasterPro PSF for Honda from O'Reilly's for decades, and now have a case of Triax PSF (compatible with Honda / Acura) ready for the next set of PSF changes.

OF

 

There are some other fluids people say can work, but a bottle of Honda PSF is like $4-5 at my local dealer, so I don't mind using it. And after all these miles, I've had no issues using it across 3 different Hondas, so it seems to do its job well.

 

I'm trying to replace the power steering fluid on my van

The lowest point on the system is where the return line runs under the transmission. You can disconnect there, over a drain pan and get basically all of the fluid out (once you manually turn the rack back and forth a few times). Not need for a plug or running extra lines down to a drain pan.

-Charlie