How to Replace a 2001 Honda Civic’s Power Steering Fluid

Your 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid can be replaced by removing the red reservoir cap, pumping out the old fluid, and refilling it with Prestone PSF fluid.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Your 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid can be replaced by either draining or pumping out the old fluid from the reservoir and filling it with brand new Prestone PSF Max Asian fluid. In the Honda Civic, the power steering reservoir has a red cap and sits underneath the hood directly behind the driver’s side headlight.
If you start having difficulty steering or your steering wheel begins making a screeching noise when turned, it’s probably time to replace your Civic’s power steering fluid. This will help lubricate the parts within your steering system, allowing your steering wheel to turn smoothly and reliably once more.
If you’ve never changed your Honda’s power steering fluid before, don’t worry—licensed
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How do I replace my 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?

Fortunately, replacing your 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid is a fairly simple and straightforward process—all you have to do is follow these steps:
  1. Find the power steering reservoir. It will have a red cap and should be located directly behind the driver’s side headlight underneath the hood.
  2. Remove the cap and insert a fluid pump into the reservoir. If you don’t have a pump designed specifically for this purpose, the pump from a soap bottle will work just fine.
  3. Pump the old fluid out of the reservoir. Use a sealable container to catch the old power steering fluid.
  4. Fill the reservoir with new power steering fluid and replace the cap.
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully changed your 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid! For a more complete replacement, however, you can opt to add in a few extra steps:
  • Disconnect the power steering fluid line.
  • Drain the system completely. If you wiggle your steering wheel back and forth a few times, you’ll be able to fully drain your Civic’s fluid reservoir.
If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, don’t worry—you can just as easily have your Honda’s power steering fluid replaced at a mechanic. Let’s go over the pros and cons.

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

If you want to be 100% certain that the fluid replacement is done properly, there’s no harm in taking your Civic to the mechanic for a
power steering fluid service
. They should be able to completely flush out your power steering fluid in under an hour and will charge around $120 for the procedure.
But if you don't mind the manual labor and would like to
save money on car expenses
, go ahead and try it yourself! You won't be charged for the mechanic's time, but you will still need to pay $10 to $20 for the power steering fluid.
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Which power steering fluid is best for a 2001 Honda Civic?

There are many excellent options available when selecting a power steering fluid, but we prefer Prestone’s power steering fluid, as it works well with a number of popular import brands like Honda, Lexus, and Toyota.
Here are some of our recommended picks:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF Max Asian
12 ounces
$12.99
FRAM Honda PSF
1 quart
$13.99
Peak Full Synthetic Asian
12 ounces
$16.49
Valvoline Import ATF
1 gallon
$33.99

When do I need to replace my 2001 Honda Civic’s power steering fluid?

Generally speaking, your Honda Civic's power steering fluid should be changed every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will ensure that your steering system operates smoothly and allows you to turn the steering wheel with ease.
In some cases, however, you may need to change your fluid before reaching this interval. If you start to notice any of the following, it might be time for a replacement:
  • Fluid changes from clear to yellow
  • Steering becomes difficult
  • Fluid starts leaking
  • Bubbles form in your power steering fluid
  • Strange noises can be heard when the steering wheel is turned (squeaking, screeching, etc.)
Keep in mind that using the right power steering fluid extends the life of your vehicle in addition to making driving easier—follow recommended maintenance procedures to keep your Civic running smoothly for many years to come.

How to save money on Honda insurance

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FAQs

You can! If you want to save a little money on labor costs, do the following: remove the red reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and then re-fill your Honda Civic with new power steering fluid.
The power steering fluid in your Civic should typically be changed every three years or 30,000 miles—but if you start having trouble steering, you might need to change it sooner.
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