How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2006 Honda Pilot

Replace your 2006 Honda Pilot’s power steering fluid by removing the red reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with Honda Genuine fluid.
Written by Shannon Martin
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Replacing the power steering fluid in your 2006 Honda Pilot is easier than you think! Simply drain the old fluid from the reservoir and then refill it with Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid -V.
Power steering allows drivers to turn and steer their car in the correct direction easily. Before power steering, turning your car was quite the workout! If your steering wheel suddenly stiffens up and makes turning difficult, it is time to change your power steering fluid. Luckily,
Jerry
, the
trusted insurance broker app
for
car insurance
, can help you out.
Read on to learn how to change the power steering fluid in your 2006 Honda Pilot, what kind of fluid to use, and how to save money on your
Honda Pilot car insurance
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How do I replace my 2012 Honda Odyssey’s power steering fluid?

You won't believe how painless changing the power steering fluid on a Honda Pilot is. You will never want to pay for someone else to do it again! Just follow these steps:
  • Find the power steering reservoir: Look for a container with a red cap next to the windshield wiper fluid
  • Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir: The long pump from a big shampoo bottle will work—make sure to clean it thoroughly first
  • Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir: Grap a container, like an empty milk jug, and pump the fluid out. Make sure to wipe up any spills to prevent damaging other car parts
  • Refill the reservoir: Refill with the clean power steering fluid and return the cap
Voila! This will have your Honda Pilot steering wheel working like new. If you are feeling adventurous and want to perform an expert-level fluid replacement, it is only a couple more steps:
  • Grab a container
  • Disconnect the fluid return hose and direct the end into the container
  • Get in your car and turn the steering wheel back and forth a few times as far as it will go. This will drain the system of any remaining fluid
  • Reattach the fluid return hose
If this doesn’t sound like a fun project to you, taking your Honda to a mechanic is always an option. Let's look at the pros and cons. 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

Times are hard and money is tight for everyone right now. Doing your own
car maintenance
is a great way to save money on car ownership. It will take about 20 minutes to replace the power steering fluid on your 2006 Pilot and only cost you around $20.
On the other hand, if you want to make sure the flush is done properly, go to a reputable mechanic. The average cost for a
power steering fluid service
is $120 and will take about an hour for them to complete. 

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

Honda recommends using
Genuine Honda Fluid 08206-9002 Power Steering Fluid
, and we like sticking with what the manufacturer recommends. However, other Pilot drivers have voiced their favorites, so here is a list of other popular options:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Honda Power Steering Fluid
12 ounces (pack of 3)
$16.49
AutoZone Honda Power Steering Fluid
12 ounces
$6.99
Peak- Original Equipment Technology Fully Synthetic Asian Power Steering Fluid
12 ounces
$16.49
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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Pro Tip Whichever power steering fluid you use, make sure it's compatible with Honda vehicles. Not all power steering fluids work with each make and model vehicle!

When do I need to replace my 2006 Honda Pilot's power steering fluid?

Honda doesn't specifically say when to replace the power steering fluid, but since their service manual only goes up to 120,000 miles, most people replace it around the 100k mark
Replacing your power steering fluid is not something you will need to do often, but it is possible that you might need to change it sooner rather than later. Look out for any of the following signs:
  • Trouble steering (usually the first sign)
  • Screeching sounds while turning
  • Leaking fluid
  • Change in color (power steering fluid should be clear, not yellow)
  • Bubbles in the power steering fluid
By staying on top of your power steering fluid, your car will drive easier and last longer!

How to save money on Honda insurance

Now that we have shown you how to save money by doing your own car maintenance, do you want to save a little more? Of course, you do! Then download
Jerry
, the
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
, to save even more. 
Once you download the app, Jerry conducts a providing a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies and delivers the results directly to your phone in just 45 seconds!
Best of all, Jerry drivers, on average, save $800+ on car insurance a year!

FAQs

Absolutely! Simply remove the red reservoir cap, drain out the old fluid, and refill with the new power steering fluid.
While Honda doesn't have a recommendation, every three years or 100,000 miles will keep your Pilot in good shape. However, you can do it anytime if your steering wheel starts feeling stiff.
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