How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2006 Honda Civic

Replace the power steering fluid in your 2006 Honda Civic yourself is easier than you think and a perfect beginner DIY project!
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Replacing the power steering fluid on your 2006 Honda Civic is as simple as flushing the old fluid out of the system and replacing it with a new fluid compatible with Hondas. On the Civic, the power steering fluid reservoir is clearly marked and has a red cap.
Most drivers know they must
change the oil
in their vehicle regularly, but when was the last time you changed your power steering fluid? Before running to a
car repair
shop, consider changing the power steering fluid yourself to save time and money.
If you’ve never tried do-it-yourself car maintenance before,
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app
Jerry
has you covered. We’ll walk you through what kind of power steering fluid to buy, how to change it yourself, and how to tell when your vehicle is due for a power steering fluid replacement. Our super app has everything you need to take care of your Honda Civic—including all the best ways to save on your
Honda Civic car insurance costs
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How do I replace my 2006 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?

Changing the power steering fluid on a 2006 Honda Civic is really simple. Just follow these steps:
  • Locate the power steering reservoir under the hood. It should be clearly marked and have a red cap
  • Remove the cap and drain the old fluid. If you want to get all of the old fluid, first use a pump (like the one off an old shampoo bottle or even a turkey baster) and suction the fluid out. Then disconnect the hose from the reservoir, turn on your car’s engine, and turn your steering wheel left and right
  • After you drain all the old fluid, fill it with new fluid and replace the cap
If you’re still not confident about working on your vehicle, you can always take your Civic to a mechanic. Let’s consider some things when deciding between a repair shop or DIY.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

Deciding between taking your car to a repair shop or changing the power steering fluid yourself can be a big decision. However, it comes down to how comfortable you are working on your vehicle and your budget.
A mechanic can change your power steering fluid in under an hour, but it will cost around $120. Performing a power steering fluid service yourself is cheaper – around $20 – but it might be a hassle if you’re not completely comfortable doing it yourself.

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

There are plenty of power steering fluid options you can buy, but you’ll want to find one that’s compatible with Hondas. Peak OEM full synthetic power steering fluid is Honda’s official recommendation, but here are some other options:
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 2006 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?

Honda recommends changing your power steering fluid every three years or every 30,000 miles, whichever happens first. This will keep your fluid clean and your steering system operating.
However, if you start noticing issues with your power steering, you’ll want to get the fluid replaced as soon as possible. Here’s what to watch out for:
  • Strange noises when you turn the wheel 
  • Difficulty steering
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid leakage
  • Color change from clear or red to yellow or brown
Pro Tip Your Honda Civic needs regular maintenance besides changing the power steering fluid. Following a
regular maintenance schedule
can keep your car in top shape.

How to save money on Honda insurance

Everyone wants a little extra wiggle room in their budget, and
Jerry
makes it easier than ever. In addition to helping you save money with tips on car maintenance, Jerry can help save you money on
Honda car insurance costs
with our
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
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FAQs

Sure! All you need to do is drain the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir and then refill it with fluid compatible with Asian vehicles.
You’ll want to have your power steering fluid changed every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever happens first. But if you having steering issues, you’ll want to change the fluid immediately.
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