Acura MDX: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Changing your power steering fluid is not that hard. Here is a quick and effective way to get the job done.

By Neftali Medina - May 17, 2016
Contributors: MDXers, Poolarity

This article applies to the Acura MDX.

Your steering system operates through the use of a special component called a power steering pump. This part pumps power steering fluid into the MDX's steering rack and allows you to smoothly turn. Power steering fluid has a shelf life, and usually around three years, it will begin to deteriorate, causing debris or air to interrupt the flow throughout the system. When this happens, you'll often hear a very loud whine coming from your pump every time you try to turn your vehicle. To get rid of the noise, you'll have to flush the system. Honda recommends Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluid for its Honda and Acura vehicles.

Acura MDX: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Materials Needed

Turkey baster
Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluid
Pliers
Rags
Jack stands
Drain pan
Jack

Step 1 – Raise and secure the chassis

Raise the car up and secure to the proper jacking points.

Jacking up Acura MDX — Figure 1. Raise and secure the MDX.

Step 2 – Remove the old fluid

Use the turkey baster to suck up any old fluid you can from the reservoir. Dispose of the older fluid using a drain pan.

Removing old power steering fluid — Figure 2. Remove the old fluid.

Step 3 – Disconnect the return hose

Place the drain pan under the reservoir, then disconnect the return hose. Wait for the old fluid to finish draining out, then slide on some extra tubing to the line and place the other end into the drain pan.

disconnecting power steering return line — Figure 3. Disconnect the return line.

Step 4 – Flush the system

It's best to try and remove all of the old fluid from the system, which can be done by flushing it. Turn the engine on and twist the steering wheel all the way to each side. Keep doing this until the fluid stops draining, then turn the car off and reconnect the return line. Use Prestone Honda Power Steering Fluidfill the reservoir, and pour more fluid into the reservoir. Turn the car on and watch it cycle into the steering rack; when the pump whines, quickly turn it off. Then top off the rest of the reservoir.