To replace a 2006 Honda Accord’s power steering fluid, locate the power steering fluid reservoir, remove the old fluid with a pump, and refill the reservoir with Genuine Honda power steering fluid (or a fluid designed specifically for your Accord).

So your 2006 Honda Accord may have a few dings, but the engine purrs and its transmission is as smooth as a George Benson jazz tune. No wonder you’ve determined to keep it on the road!

But recently, a slight whining sound is clearly audible when you make right-hand turns. After checking the power steering fluid, you find that the color is dark brown and the fluid feels gritty. Now what?

This guide, compiled by

Jerry

, the super app for

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savings, takes you through a 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid change. We cover the essentials, including what type of fluid you should use and how to do a change at home. We'll also go over how to save on your

Honda Accord car insurance costs

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How do I replace my 2006 Honda Accord’s power steering fluid?

You can replace your 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid with either a partial or a full flush.

A partial flush involves removing the old fluid sitting in the reservoir and replacing it with new fluid. This process is straightforward if you have a spare hour and the right materials at hand.

However, a full system flush will take a bit longer. If you want a full system flush, you may want to consider taking your Accord to a Honda dealership or a mechanic familiar with older Honda models. But you can always do a full replacement yourself if you have the time.

Here are the steps to replacing 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid:

Assemble the materials: pliers; a container to collect the old fluid; a funnel; a turkey baster or pump; and 3-4 quarts of Honda power steering fluid.

Locate the power steering fluid reservoir, which is on the left-hand side of the engine (when facing the engine). Take off the cap—it’s often red.

Using a turkey baster or a pump, remove the old power steering fluid from the reservoir.

Place the used fluid in a container.

Refill the power steering reservoir with new fluid. Do not overfill. If you go past the fill line, siphon excess fluid off with your pump or baster.

Replace the cap on the reservoir.

Dispose of the used power steering fluid by taking it to a recycling center or fluid retailer such as Advance Auto or AutoZone. Do not pour the fluid on the ground.

Here’s an additional tip for a full flush:

Flush/replace your 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid over a few days. Your Accord’s power steering reservoir holds only about 20% of the fluid. You’ll need to take out and replace the fluid several times over the course of a few days. Drive your Honda between each drain/addition of new fluid so that it circulates.

MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

Great question! Certainly, you’ll likely come across at least one mechanic who has created a great DIY video guide to replacing 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid.

Deciding whether you want to attempt a power steering fluid service may come down to a few questions: do you have the necessary materials, and do you want to save money?

When you own an older vehicle such as a 2006 Honda Accord, treating it to a professional fluid change can make sense. Expect to pay a Honda dealer about $100 for the service. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you’ll know a professional has done the work.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2006 Honda Accord?

When deciding what 2006 Honda Accord power steering fluid to use, go right to the owner’s manual. The manual says that 2006 Accord owners should always use Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid (PSF).

The manual even recommends that if you need to use a non-Honda PSF in an emergency, have your power steering system flushed and then refilled with Honda PSF as soon as you can.

Fortunately, Genuine Honda PSF is easy enough to find and fairly inexpensive at $8-9 for a 12-ounce bottle.

If you choose to ignore the recommendations of Honda engineers (and, frankly, many Honda owners do), you’ll discover that Peak, Prestone, Idemitsu, and Pentosin all make power steering fluids that should work in your Accord. When selecting a fluid through an online database, be sure to type in the correct information about your Honda.

When do I need to replace my 2006 Honda Accord’s power steering fluid?

Ask 10 different Honda enthusiasts and you’ll get 10 different answers to this question! However, the rule of thumb is at least every 3 years or 30,000 miles.

Can you go longer than this? Probably, but your 2006 Accord is an older car, and this type of preventative maintenance can prevent it from developing problems down the road.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to “baby” your older car—especially if you’re intent on driving it into the 150,000+ club!

However, if you notice any of these symptoms below, check your power steering fluid level and its color ASAP:

A dark brown or black fluid indicates it is beginning to oxidize and is too old to be effective.

Difficulty steering. Never ignore a problem with steering.

Strange noises, such as whining when you turn the wheel.

Bubbles in your power steering fluid.

Fluid leakage causing stains on your garage floor or the pavement under the car.

To check your fluid level, locate the power steering fluid reservoir, which is on the passenger’s side of the engine, towards the front. On the side of the reservoir, you should see lines. The fluid should be between the upper and lower demarcation lines.

MORE:

Honda lug pattern

How to save money on Honda insurance

Keeping your Honda Accord running strong means following a preventative maintenance schedule, which includes replacing power steering fluid. But

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and routine maintenance tasks cost money.

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FAQs

Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2006 Honda Accord myself?

Yes! Locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the passenger’s side of the engine. Then, unscrew the cap and remove the old fluid with a turkey baster or pump. Refill the reservoir with Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid (or a fluid with the same specs).

To fully change out the fluid, you will need to repeat this process over a few days to flush out all the old fluid.

How often should I replace my 2006 Honda Accord’s power steering fluid?

You should replace your power steering fluid every 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have steering issues or other issues, consider replacing your 2006 Honda Accord’s power steering fluid earlier.

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