How to Replace Power Steering Fluid for a 2005 Acura TL

You can change the power steering fluid on your 2005 Acura TL yourself by removing the fluid cap, draining the old fluid, and replacing it.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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You can replace the power steering fluid in your 2005 Acura TL by removing the fluid reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and replacing it with new fluid from an auto parts store. 
If you turn the wheel of your Acura and hear a grating screech, you probably need to change your power steering fluid. Lucky for you, changing your power steering fluid at home is not only easy but also much less expensive than bringing your car to a mechanic. 
Jerry
, the super app for
car insurance
shopping, has compiled all the details about buying and changing out your 2005 Acura TL power steering fluid. Keep reading for tips, tricks, and which brands to buy—not to mention a way to reduce your
Acura TL insurance costs
!  
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How do I replace my 2005 Acura TL’s power steering fluid?

If you don’t consider yourself a grease monkey, not to worry—a
power steering fluid service
is pretty simple to do yourself, no matter your comfort level with your car’s engine. 
Follow these steps to perform your power steering fluid change at home. 
  • Locate the power steering reservoir.
    Open the hood
    and look for a container with a red cap on the passenger side of your engine.
  • Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. You can use anything to pump the old fluid; a turkey baster or an empty pump from a shampoo bottle should work.
  • Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Grab an empty container to catch the old fluid. Make sure you clean up any spills to keep the old fluid from getting into other parts of your engine. 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap
And there you have it! You’ve changed your power steering fluid. If you’re looking to go the extra mile with your
car maintenance
, you can take your power steering fluid change to the next level by adding some extra steps:
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Drain the power steering system completely. Turning the wheel back and forth will push the last drops of old fluid out of your system. 
If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, you can always take your 2005 Acura TL to a mechanic to get your power steering system flushed. 

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

If you want to be absolutely sure that your power steering fluid change was done correctly, taking your 2005 Acura TL to a mechanic will be best for your peace of mind. 
An auto shop can perform a full flush of your power steering system in an hour or less and will cost about $120
But if you’re looking to save a little money and don’t mind the extra labor, you can change your power steering fluid at home for the cost of new fluid, about $10 to $20 off the shelf. 

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2005 Acura TL?

Now that you’re an expert on your car’s power steering system, let’s talk about fluid!
Different engines require different types of power steering fluid. For the 2005 Acura TL, we recommend using
Idemitsu ATF Type H-Plus Automatic Transmission Fluid
. This fluid works well with any Honda or Acura engine. 
Here are some more good fluid picks for your Acura’s power steering system.
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
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When do I need to replace my 2005 Acura TL’s power steering fluid?

In general, it’s a good idea to change your power steering fluid every 3-4 years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance on your power steering system will keep everything running smoothly and allow you to turn the wheel with ease. 
A lot can happen to your car in between scheduled maintenance periods, though. You may have to change your power steering fluid early if you experience any of the following symptoms in your 2005 Acura TL:
  • Strange noises when you turn the wheel, like screeching or squeaking
  • Difficulty or resistance when turning the wheel
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid leakage
  • Color change from red to dark brown or black
Keeping up with regular maintenance doesn’t just make driving easier. It also extends the life of your 2005 Acura TL and prevents visits to a mechanic down the line!

How to save money on Acura insurance

Regular car maintenance can pack a punch when it comes to your budget, but it’s not the most expensive part of owning a car. That honor belongs to insurance, which costs American drivers an average of $ 1,771 per year. 
If you want to save money on your
Acura car insurance costs
, the
Jerry
app is a good place to start. 
A
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And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. 
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FAQs

Yes! Performing a power steering fluid change yourself is not only easy to do but also much less expensive than taking your 2005 Acura TL to a mechanic.
It’s recommended that you change the power steering fluid in your 2005 Acura TL every 3-4 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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