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Acura TL 2004-2008: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Replacing the powering steering fluid on your Acura is not as hard as your may think. Here is how you do it.

By Neftali Medina - May 4, 2016
Contributors: Acurazine, Poolarity

This article applies to the Acura TL (2004-2008).

Ever make a hard left turn that results in a whale screaming under your hood? If so, then you know how a low fluid power steering pump sounds like. A standard hydraulic steering pump uses fluid to work the steering rack underneath your chassis. The whines occur when there are "dry spots" in the pump, which are often derived from a leaking hose. When you replace the hose, you also have to flush the reservoir, which is a process of removing the old fluid and pouring in the new. These following instructions explain how to do just that.

Acura TL 2004-2008: How to Change Power Steering Fluid

Materials Needed

  • Turkey baster
  • Power steering fluid
  • Pliers
  • Rags
  • Jack stand
  • Drain pan
  • Jack

Step 1 – Raise and secure the chassis

Just raise the car up and secure to the proper jacking points. Use the front jack point on car's subframe and set two stands on either side of the car, under the reinforced pinch welds running the length of the underbody.

acura tl tsx mdx rdx power steering fluid change remove drain how to replace
Figure 1. Raise and secure the car.

Step 2 – Begin removing the old fluid

Grab that turkey baster and stick it into the old power steering reservoir. Begin sucking up as much of the old fluid as you possibly can, and injecting it into either the drain pan or an old bottle.

acura tl tsx mdx rdx power steering fluid change remove drain how to replace
Figure 2. Remove the old fluid.

Step 3 – Disconnect the return hose

The return hose connects into a metal fitting at the radiator and into the power steering reservoir. Choose an end and disconnect the hose. Then attach extra tubing to the disconnected hose and place it inside of the drain pan.

acura tl tsx mdx rdx power steering fluid change remove drain how to replace
Figure 3. Disconnect the return line.

Step 4 – Flush the system

Start the car up and twist the steering wheel side to side, reaching each of the locking positions. Continue to do this until the fluid stops draining from the hose. Then turn the car off, connect the return line and refill the reservoir. Turn the car back on and slide the fluid enter into the system; when the pump whines, shut the car off and top of the reservoir.

  • acura tl tsx mdx rdx power steering fluid change remove drain how to replace
    Figure 4. Flush the system.
  • acura tl tsx mdx rdx power steering fluid change remove drain how to replace
    Figure 5. Pour in new power steering fluid.

Featured Video: How to Change Power Steering Fluid on Honda/Acura

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