Honda Elements use hydraulic power steering systems, meaning these cars require power steering fluid that should be flushed and replaced every two years. Taking your Element to the auto shop will set you back $120, but doing this job at home costs as little as $10!

Your Honda Element depends on its power steering system to get you where you need to go smoothly and safely. This system requires the right kind of power steering fluid to pressurize it, but this fluid doesn’t last forever. It can become contaminated, age, or it can drop to a low level and stop working correctly. If this happens, your steering might feel stiff, and your car may even make strange noises.

If you think it’s time to change your power steering fluid but you’re not sure where to start, you’re at the right spot.

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What type of power steering fluid does a Honda Element use?

Honda is very specific about what kind of power steering fluid can be used in their cars, and the Honda Element is no exception. If you own a Honda Element, you’ll want to use

Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid.

However, it can be tough to get your hands on this particular brand of power steering fluid. If you can’t find Honda’s OEM power steering fluid, these are two decent alternatives:

Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid

($10.88 for 12 oz)

Autozone Honda Power Steering Fluid

($7.99 for 12 oz)

Some cars can also take automatic transmission fluid (ATF) instead of power steering fluid, but you can’t make this swap with a Honda Element. Always refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure about which fluid to use.

MORE:

Power steering fluid service

How to change your Honda Element power steering fluid

You can save about $120 and learn how to change your power steering fluid at home—a worthwhile endeavor, considering you need to change this fluid regularly! It’s a pretty easy task you can do from the comfort of your garage. You just need these tools and materials to get started:

A suction device such as a vacuum pump or syringe—even a turkey baster will do!

Power steering fluid or ATF that fits your model’s specifications

Pliers

Paper towels

Step 1: Pop the hood of your Honda Element and find the power steering reservoir. You should find it on the passenger’s side of the engine bay. It looks like a white cylinder with a gray top and red screw cap. Start pumping all of the old power steering fluid out with your pump or syringe.

Step 2: Refill the reservoir with new power steering fluid designed for Hondas. Only fill it halfway at this point. Put the cap back on tightly to avoid any leaks.

Step 3: Detach the power steering return line by loosening the return line’s clamps with your pliers. After you disconnect the clamps you can drain all of the remaining old fluid from the system.

Step 4: Now it’s time to cycle the power steering! To do this step, start your Element’s ignition and move your steering wheel “from lock to lock,” or from all the way to the left back to as far as it can go to the right. Do this a few times to move the new power steering fluid through your power steering system until you see new fluid coming out of the line.

Step 5: Reattach the power steering line. Now, you can fill the reservoir to the fill line with your new power steering fluid. Turn on your Element for another 10 seconds, and once 10 seconds elapse and your car is off, top up your reservoir one final time.

And that’s it! Once you’ve completed all the steps, look underneath and around your car for any leaks. If your car appears to be leak free, take it around the block for a test drive. If everything’s been done correctly, your steering should feel smooth and you should be able to turn the wheel without any friction.

MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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What is the power steering fluid change interval for a Honda Element?

If you own a Honda Element, you should consider flushing and replacing the power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or every two years—whichever comes first.

While this is a great benchmark, you may have to replace your fluid early in certain circumstances. Keep an eye out for these signs that it’s time to change your power steering fluid:

Turning the steering wheel is tough

Steering feels loose

Your car makes squeaking or groaning sounds whenever you make a turn

Your power steering fluid looks brown or even black

Your power steering fluid is at its best when it's a light pink or amber color. Check your power steering fluid reservoir every other time you fill up your gas tank (when you check your engine oil). Routine checks will ensure you’re always driving with fresh, clean power steering fluid.

MORE:

How to find your 2004 Honda Element radio code

How to save on Honda Element insurance

Regular maintenance like power steering flushes contribute to the overall cost of owning a Honda Element—but

car insurance

costs for the Element are an even bigger expense.

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