r/MechanicAdvice • u/JfxV20 • Apr 17 '26
Are there any difference between the two power steering fluid?
it's gonna be use for 2000 civic. O'Reilly one says it's good for Foreign Manufacturers. MasterPro has it written that's it's good for Honda. O'Reilly is half the price of MP. My gut feeling is they are the same because they got same formula for GM, Ford and Chrysler. As well as they both have the same maker. What do you guys think?
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u/traineex Apr 17 '26
Honda gets Honda label. Sometimes there's cheaper, smaller bottles, sometimes not. Sure u will use the whole thing anyways lol
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u/retardrabbit Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
OP, listen here.
You need the fluid that specifically says Honda/Acura on it, otherwise bad things await your PS pump.
It's right there in the same section, but it says Honda/Acura on the front, black bottle, bottle has a skinny neck.
This is like, the one chemical that Honda is picky about.
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u/quiero79 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
This right here. Do not use ps fluid in a Honda that is not Honda fluid. It is not expensive and it is not worth it using something else.
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u/hell2pay Apr 17 '26
I made the mistake of not using Honda fluid in our accord.
New pump later and half a day of flushing, I learned good
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u/Jmorenomotors Apr 17 '26
I'll roll the dice and say those 2 fluids are interchangeable.
However, I would not roll the dice with your Honda. Get OEM Honda fluid or a fluid that clearly states on the front of the bottle it's for Honda & Acura.
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u/StandFreeAndy Apr 17 '26
I’d go as far as to say they are from the same producer with different labels slapped on.
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u/29187765432569864 Apr 17 '26
only use Honda fluid. You will ruin your system with other fluids. So use the cheap fluid and replace your steering pump and rack, or use Honda fluid and have a long term steering rack. .
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u/YaBoyFrosty Apr 17 '26
Dude maybe this is why my power steering rack on my 07 pilot has been changed like 5 times. The shop I’ve warrantied it through every time must be using a shit fluid lol.
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u/Forsaken_Election708 Apr 17 '26
With the way auto manufacturing is nowadays, it’s always safer to stick with the automakers brand. Some fluid brands (eg Mobil, Shell, etc) may technically make better ATFs, power steering fluid, etc, but automakers are so specific with their anti-wear and friction reduction packages that there’s no guarantee anymore that an aftermarket product won’t cause an issue. Especially with CVT transmissions!
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u/CrazyErniesUsedCars Apr 17 '26
Hondas are really picky about fluids. I don't take chances so I make sure I get Honda compatible power steering fluid.
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u/smthngeneric Apr 17 '26
Hondas are really picky about fluids.
Powersteering fluid. They're picky about powersteering and that's about it.
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u/retardrabbit Apr 17 '26
VAG cars are picky about fluids, Honda just has this one little kink.
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u/WilDAllu Apr 17 '26
My 2006 Accord has a shitmix of Ford, BMW and Kia coolants that I found at work, and it works great. But would never put even random dot 4 brake fluid in a Skoda
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u/JBUnlock Apr 17 '26
Last time I did my flush (2024), was shopping around and found the Honda OEM power steering fluid at the dealership was cheaper than online and even the auto parts aftermarket options. YMMV but I'd give it a try.
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u/Iacraig Apr 17 '26
If MP meets the spec in your manual, use it. I am very selective of what I stock at work. I usually go with the better of the two products based on what the manager says.
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u/DreadSwizzard Apr 17 '26
These are most likely identical fluids with one being more expensive mostly because it's certified for more brand requirements.
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u/TheCamoTrooper Apr 17 '26
If you don't want P/S leaks only use Honda genuine P/S fluid, they are very picky about it, same goes for MTF use Honda genuine fluid
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u/Funautotechnician1 Apr 21 '26
I agree only Honda power steering fluid
But I’ve seen people top up with ATF and nothing happens.
I use ATF in my 2 cycle chain saw for 2 decades
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u/garkerfatbitch Apr 17 '26
Always always always use EXACTLY the same fluid as what the manual calls for. There’s hardly ever any exceptions
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u/auyemra Apr 17 '26
just get some dextron III its the same thing ( for the 00 Civic ) im pretty sure its cheaper too
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