Read This Before Changing E36 Power Steering Hoses and Reservoir

Is your E36 power steering leaking like a motherf***er? Here are 3 things you should know before fixing it.

I watched all the videos and read all the articles about how to replace the E36 power steering hoses and reservoir, and these are the things I wish I knew before starting the job.

In this article, I cover:

1. The parts you need to remove to complete the job, but more importantly the ones you DON’T need to remove.
2. The tools you actually need to complete the job.
3. Some good options for ordering parts and why.

Parts to remove and NOT remove when replacing the E36 power steering hoses and reservoir.

Besides the old power steering hoses and reservoir, the only part you have to remove to do this job should be the intake. In the other videos and how-to guides, I’ve seen people remove things like the front sway bar, alternator ducting, and even the wheels. I’m here to confirm that you don’t need to remove those. Just jack the car up, remove the intake, and you’ll have access to everything you need.

Tools needed to replace the E36 power steering hoses and reservoir.

Here are the tools I recommend for the job. In other guides, I’ve seen a 19mm and 22mm box wrench as required, so I bought those for this job. Turns out I didn’t need them and you likely won’t either. Here are the tools I used with great success.

Tools I used (affiliate links):

• 10mm Socket https://amzn.to/37NwaJu
• 19mm Socket https://amzn.to/3kGr5Xm
• 22mm Socket https://amzn.to/37Ockho
• 3/8″ Drive Socket Wrench https://amzn.to/37MXPuk
• 3/8″ Drive 3″ Extension Bar / 3/8″ to 1/2″ Adapter / Universal Joints https://amzn.to/2JalGcV
• 3/8″ to 1/2″ Adapter https://amzn.to/2JalGcV
• 1/2″ Drive Socket Wrench https://amzn.to/35Abr9u
• 10mm Box Wrench https://amzn.to/3ehqKbf
• Flathead Screw Driver + Stubby https://amzn.to/3jAecMY
• Funnel https://amzn.to/37V88fY
• Drain Pan https://amzn.to/31V6TJY
• Nitrile/latex gloves https://amzn.to/3jBJP8N
• Scissors/clippers https://amzn.to/3oHAcZW
• LED Light https://amzn.to/35Q1ODT

Where to buy E36 power steering hoses and reservoir.

If you’re like me, you’re trying to keep your E36 running in the best condition possible, while also not over spending. I want my car to perform at its best, but without killing my budget.

I was not paid to promote them, but if you’re not already using FCP Euro for your OE and OEM parts, you’re missing out. They offer a lifetime warranty on nearly all their parts (obviously not oil, etc.), but they do offer it for rotors and brake pads — and that’s great for budget-conscious car enthusiasts like myself.

Now, something FCP Euro has yet to fix at the time of this writing is that their E36 power steering overhaul kit does not come with the 4th banjo bolt (there are (2) 19mm, and (2) 22mm. One of the 22mm banjo bolts are not included) nor the fluid that you need to complete the job. Up front, it’s a little more than the equivalent ECS kit, but factor in FCP Euro’s lifetime warranty and you’ll come out ahead the next time you need to replace your power steering lines and fittings. Which, unfortunately will be inevitable because old BMW power steering lines tend to begin hemorrhaging at some point.

Power steering kit I used: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-comprehensive-power-steering-hose-kit-32411141953kt

Other resources for changing E36 power steering hoses and reservoir:

• (Best resource) https://www.eeuroparts.com/blog/one-good-turn-power-steering-refresh/
• https://blog.fcpeuro.com/bmw-e36-power-steering-reservoir-hose-replacement

Conclusion

With that, you are now equipped to do the job yourself. It really is quite easy. Prior to this I had only done oil changes and brake work. I’m not very mechanically inclined, so if I can do this, so can you. Also, the job’s messy…so be prepared.