Acura MDX Power Steering Fluid
If you own an older Acura MDX, you could save some money by changing your own power steering fluid—here’s how to do it.
Written by Patrick Price
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your Acura MDX is from 2013 or before, there’s a chance it might need steering fluid, which you’ll need to change every 50,000 miles or every 3-4 years. Changing your steering fluid usually costs between $100 and $120, depending on the mechanic you use. To save some money, you could just buy the fluid for about $10 and change it yourself.
Most Acura MDX model cars have electronic power steering (EPS) systems—meaning they don't use power steering fluid at all. Since the MDX trim was introduced in 2001, the option to include EPS has been available, but it did not become standard until 2014. Before that, many MDXs used hydraulic power steering.
Pressurized fluid is pumped through hydraulic power steering systems to keep them working, and these fluids need replacing after a while. If you wait too long to change the fluid, you’ll probably notice your steering getting stiff.
If you’d like to start changing your own power steering fluid,
Jerry
—the licensed car insurance
broker app—is here to help! In this article, you’ll find all the information your need on Acura MDX power steering fluid and how you can save money on your Acura MDX car insurance
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat type of power steering fluid does Acura MDX use?
If you own one of the Acura MDXs that have hydraulic power steering, you should use the official
Acura Power Steering Fluid
($3.70 for 12 oz.)—it’s made by Acura and specially designed to work well with their vehicles. Alternatively, you could use Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid
($9.29 for 12 oz.). Honda is Acura’s parent company and their steering fluid is compatible with all their vehicles. You should use Honda Genuine fluid if possible, as aftermarket alternatives can cause decreased performance after prolonged use. If you want to use a different brand, however, here are some of the best options:
- Prestone MAX Asian Vehicle Power Steering Fluid($12.99 for 12 oz.)
- Peak Full Synthetic Asian Power Steering Fluid($16.49 for 12 oz.)
How to change Acura MDX power steering fluid
As your MDX continues to age, it’ll need more and more frequent upkeep in order to stay running properly. You can
cut back on those car maintenance expenses
by changing your own power steering fluid. It might seem like a daunting task, but changing the power steering fluid is actually pretty easy. To get started, you’ll need to following materials:
- Replacement power steering fluid that is compatible with your Acura MDX
- A rag or paper towels
- Jack and jack stands (optional)
- Pliers
- Drain pan
Once you have those items ready, it’s time to flush and refill your power steering fluid. If you’d like, you can raise your Acura up onto jack stands—but that’s optional. Jacking up your car is a bit of a pain, but it can make it easier to drain all the fluid. Either way, here are the next steps:
Step 1: Underneath the hood, locate the cap for the power steering fluid reservoir. Remove the cap and, using your fluid pump, drain the old steering fluid into the drain pan.
Step 2: With the drain pan directly below the fluid reservoir, disconnect the power steering return line. This should allow more of the old fluid to drain.
Step 3: With the return line still detached, start the engine. Turn the steering wheel as far as it will go to either side. This will flush the system by squeezing out more residual fluid. Continue twisting the wheel back and forth until the fluid stops coming out.
Step 4: Shut the engine off and reconnect the return line. Refill the reservoir about halfway, using the fresh fluid.
Step 5: Start the engine and let it run until you hear a slight whine (usually takes about 10 seconds). When you hear the whine, immediately shut off the engine. Then, fill the reservoir the rest of the way up.
What is the power steering fluid change interval for an Acura MDX?
You should change the power steering fluid in your Acura MDX every three to four years or every 50,000 miles—whichever comes first.
On top of the routine fluid changes, you should also flush and refill your power steering fluid if you ever notice any of these signs of contaminated/leaking fluid:
- Steering that is either unusually stiff or unusually loose
- Whining or groaning noises when you turn the steering wheel
- Steering fluid that has turned Black or brown (it should be a light pink or yellow shade)
Even if you don’t notice any of these problems, it’s a good idea to check on your power steering fluid every now and then.
How to save on Acura MDX insurance
Handling minor maintenance chores, such as changing your own power steering fluid, is just one of the ways that you can reduce the upkeep costs for your Acura. Another great money-saving strategy is regularly reviewing your
Acura insurance policy
. If you use
Jerry
, the nation’s most trusted insurance broker app, to review the cost of your car insurance
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