How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2004 Honda Pilot

Replace your 2004 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid by finding the reservoir, removing the red cap, taking out the old fluid, and refilling it.
Written by Elaine Yang
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace your 2004 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid, find the reservoir, remove the red cap, take out the old fluid, and refill it with new fluid. You’ll find the reservoir near the bottom left-hand side when you open the hood. 
Whether you’re taking a late-night drive in the city or driving to work, it can be alarming if your steering wheel suddenly stiffens up or your steering system makes loud screeching noises when you make a turn. 
If you’re experiencing these issues, you might need to replace your Honda’s power steering fluid. 
With help from the
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super app
Jerry
, we’ll go over how you can replace your Honda’s power steering fluid, the brands you should be using, signs that your vehicle is due for a replacement, and tips on how to save on your
Honda Pilot insurance costs
.
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How do I replace my 2004 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid?

Follow these simple steps to replace your 2004 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid: 
  • Find the power steering reservoir. Once you
    open the hood
    , the reservoir will be near the left headlight. Before opening the red cap, make sure to wipe everything down—you don’t want debris falling in. 
  • Take the red cap off and siphon the old fluid from the reservoir. You can use a turkey baster or shampoo pump to remove the old fluid, as long as it does the job, anything will work! 
  • Use a container to catch any excess fluid. This will prevent any power steering fluid from falling into your engine. 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap
And that should be all! If you’re car-savvy and want to do a complete power steering fluid flush, follow these extra steps: 
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Wiggle the steering wheel from left to right. This will drain the steering system of all the power steering fluid. 
But if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can simply take your Honda to a mechanic. 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

As a failsafe, taking your Honda to a mechanic will guarantee that your
power steering fluid service
was done properly. It’ll only take about an hour and cost about $120.
But, if you want to save some money, you can also do the replacement yourself! This way, you can save some money on your mechanic’s labor. You still need to pay for the power steering fluid, but it’ll only cost about $10 to $20.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2004 Honda Pilot?

Make sure to buy a brand of power steering fluid that works well with your Honda. Some versions and brands may be optimized for your vehicle, so be sure to read the labels. 
Here are some of the best power steering fluid options for a Honda:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$12.99
Peak Full Synthetic Asian
12 ounces
$16.49
Idemitsu Lubricants
12 ounces
$5.51
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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When do I need to replace my 2004 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid?

Honda recommends its drivers replace their power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. This will ensure that your driving experience remains as smooth as possible. 
But keep an eye out for the following signs—you might need to change your power steering fluid earlier than you thought: 
  • Weird noises when turning (e.g., screeching)
  • Difficulty turning your steering wheel
  • You notice bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid leaks from the reservoir
  • Color change from clear to yellow
If you plan on replacing your Honda’s power steering fluid, make sure to follow up with the rest of your proper
car maintenance schedule
to extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

How to save money on Honda insurance

Looking for ways to save money on your
Honda car insurance costs
?
Jerry
, the
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
, can find you the best deal for your needs! 
If you’re looking for a new insurance company, Jerry can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. Swapping is just as effortless. Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls and can even assist you in canceling your old policy!
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