Have problems with your Acura power steering? If the power steering fluid level is low, you will hear a whine when you turn the steering wheel.
It is not recommended to drive your Acura with a low-power steering fluid. Doing so will eventually burn the power steering pump. Below are instructions on checking and adding Power Steering (PS) fluid on Acura vehicles.
What you will need
Bestseller No. 1
- Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid
Procedure
The following steps will help you check and add power steering fluid to Acura vehicles.
Open the hood. Locate the hood release underneath the dash. Pull the lever until you hear the hood pop open.
- Next, go to the front of the vehicle and release the hood safety latch at the hood’s front. Lift the hood and make sure the hood stays up.
Locate the power steering reservoir.
- Remove the power steering cap. Once you locate the power steering reservoir on your Acura, remove the plastic cover. Remove the cap and inspect the current condition of the power steering fluid.
- Add power steering fluid if the level is low.
This guide applies to multiple Acuras, including TL, CL, RL, TSX, RDS, ILX, TLX, RLX, MDX, and ZDX.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of your Acura being low on power steering fluid is whining or groaning noise from the engine.
- Acura makes a groaning noise when turning the steering wheel,
- The steering wheel is difficult to turn, typically at a cold start,
- Whining noise when turning the steering wheel left or right,
- Acura steering wheel is slow to respond,
- Acura steering wheel feels stiff,
- Squeaking noise at startup
Common Acura Power Steering Problems
Seals and O-rings
The #1 problem with Acura vehicles is a power steering fluid leak from a defective o ring gasket.
These gaskets are part of the power steering system and become brittle over time, which causes leaks and allows air to enter the PS system.
If you don’t mind getting dirty and some basic DIY skills, you can purchase a new Acura Power Steering Seal Kit (eBay link) and replace the damaged o-ring yourself.
Leak
Another problem with Acuras is a leak from the power steering pump hose. The hose can develop longitudinal cracks or may crack at the clamp.
Replacing the hose is a relatively easy DIY job and inexpensive repair.
Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace an Acura power steering pump can range from $200 to $600.
At the dealership, replacing the power steering pump on a late model Acura, can cost over $650.
It is possible to replace the Acura power steering pump and save hundreds of dollars.
The cost of a new Acura power steering pump (eBay link) can range from $65 to $150. You need two to three hours to change an Acura power steering pump.
Acura Power Steering Pump Replacement
A brief overview of how to change the Acura power steering pump.
What you will need
- Basic Tools
- 4″ ratchet extension
- Pliers
Instructions
- Open the hood and locate the power steering pump.
- Remove the serpentine belt.
- Remove the high-pressure line from the power steering pump.
- Remove the return line from the power steering pump.
- Remove the mounting bolts.
- Remove and replace
Recommended Power Steering Fluid
Most Acuras use Honda HG Genuine Power Steering Fluid (# 08206-9002), formulated specifically for Acura.
Genuine Honda power steering should be used whenever possible. Aftermarket power steering fluids will work, but when used for extended periods, they may impact the power steering seals.
Recalls
Acura has recalled thousands of cars for power steering issues. It is recommended to call the Acura dealer and provide them with your VIN.
Ask if there are any service bulletins or recalls. The Acura dealer will fix the power steering problem if there are recalls.
If there is a service bulletin, the dealer may or may not fix the problem free of charge. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Here are some examples of Acura power steering pump recalls and service bulletins.
Power Steering Moans or Whines During Cold Start-Up
- Service Bulletin 07-060
When the engine is cold, a moan or whine is heard when turning the steering wheel. There may be air bubbles or foam in the power steering reservoir.
The noise usually goes away when the engine warms up. Air is entering the power steering pump through the inlet joint O-ring.
This causes bubbles in the power steering fluid, leading to reduced pump performance.
TL Power Steering Feed Hose Leak
- Service Bulletin 08-016
High under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and cause the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter generates smoke.
We hope you find the Acura Check Engine Coolant Level & Add Antifreeze guide helpful. For more help, check these troubleshooting and repair guides for your Acura vehicle.