Complete Guide: E36 BMW Power Steering Hose and Reservoir Replacement (+3 Pro Tips)
Are your E36 power steering hoses and reservoir leaking like a motherf***er?
We watched all the videos and read all the articles about how to replace the E36 power steering hoses and reservoir, and this video has 3 things we wish we knew before starting the job.
3 Tips for Changing E36 Power Steering Hoses and Reservoir
Good news — with the step-by-step guide and bonus resources below, you are equipped to do the job yourself.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
This guide provides a step-by-step process for refreshing the power steering hoses and reservoir of a BMW E36, ensuring smooth operation and preventing leaks (for now).
Tools needed to replace E36 power steering hoses and reservoir
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E36 power steering hoses and reservoir parts
Removal step-by-step guide
1. Clear Space: Remove the Intake Hose and Box
Remove the intake box, MAF sensor, and alternator cooling duct to access the reservoir.
Disconnect the intake hose from the air filter box by removing the metal clips holding it in place.
Remove the cruise control connectors by twisting them to the left.
Remove the two 10mm nuts holding the cruise control box and air filter box in place.
Move the air filter box out of the way to reveal the power steering fluid reservoir.
2. Drain the Old Fluid
Lift the car and secure it with jack stands.
Use a syringe to remove fluid from the reservoir.
Get underneath the vehicle and remove the reservoir’s feed line by undoing the 22mm banjo bolt.
Remove the hose from the reservoir and place a drain pan to collect the fluid.
Turn the ignition key to unlock the steering wheel (don’t turn the car on!) and move it lock-to-lock to help push out old fluid.
3. Remove the High-Pressure Line (#5 in diagram)
Note the hose orientation before removal.
Remove the hose from the pump side.
Trace the hose to the other end and remove the bolt securing it in place.
4. Remove the Return Hose from the Rack (#8 in the diagram)
Remove the two 10mm bolts connecting the return hose to the rack.
Locate and remove the 22mm banjo bolt at the end of the hose where it meets the rack.
Once these bolts are removed, disconnect the return hose from the reservoir.
5. Remove the Reservoir
Loosen the strap holding the reservoir.
Remove the stock pinch clamps securing the hoses to the reservoir.
Remember to take note of the orientation.
Reassembly of the E36 power steering hoses and reservoir
To reassemble, follow these steps:
1. High-Pressure Line Connection
Attach the high-pressure line to the rack, ensuring crush washers are on both sides before inserting the banjo bolt.
Partially tighten the bolt by hand and torque to 30 ft-lb if you are able to. Usually a good hand-tightening is enough, especially if you can’t get a torque wrench in there.
2. Pump Connection
Gently bend the hose to the pump, apply washers on each side along with the banjo bolt, and start it by hand.
Hand-tighten both ends, ensuring the hose's metal part points down.
3. Low-Pressure Hose Installation
Slide the low-pressure hose in place with the cooling line in front of the rack.
Start the two 10mm bolts that hold it in place.
Attach the low-pressure line to the rack.
Slide the line onto the reservoir, apply hose clamps but don’t tighten them yet.
4. Final Hose Positioning
Position the hose to get the feed line down to the power steering pump.
Attach the banjo bolt.
5. Clamp Tightening
Slide clamps on the return hose and connect it to the bottom of the reservoir.
Tighten the hose clamps until snug.
6. Fluid Refilling
Add Fluid: Fill the reservoir to the Max fill line. Expect bubbles as the fluid displaces air in the hoses.
Steering Bleed: Rotate the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock. Add fluid as the level drops, keeping it just under the Max fill line. Avoid overfilling.
Cap the Reservoir: Reinstall and hand tighten the reservoir cap.
Start-Engine Bleed: Start the engine and rotate the wheel from lock to lock, taking at least 10 seconds per turn. Do not hold at lock; reverse immediately. Repeat 10 times, center the wheel, and shut off the engine.
Check Level: Remove the cap and ensure the fluid is between the Max and Min lines. Add fluid if necessary.
Inspect Fluid: If fluid is a normal dark color, it’s good. If there are bubbles, repeat the steering bleed step #2 until clear. It’s usually good to repeat step #2 at this point just in case.
Final Check: Ensure the fluid level is stable between the Max and Min lines. Replace and firmly tighten the reservoir cap.
7. Inspection and Final Assembly
Inspect all hoses and fittings for any leaks.
If all is good, reinstall the air filter box and cruise control module.
Additional resources that’ll help in replacing your E36 power steering hoses and reservoir
Torque specs
22mm banjo bolt on rack: 30 ft-lbs
10mm bolts connecting return hose to rack: 8 ft-lbs
Reservoir mounting bolt: 7 ft-lbs
E36 power steering troubleshooting tips
Steering feels heavy:
Check fluid level and top up if necessary
Inspect belt tension and condition
Check for leaks in the system
Whining noise when turning:
Check fluid level
Bleed the system to remove air
Inspect pump for wear or damage
Fluid leaks:
Tighten all connections
Replace worn hoses or seals
Check for cracks in the reservoir
Steering wheel vibration:
Check tire balance and alignment
Inspect steering components for wear
Ensure all bolts are properly torqued
Reminder…
We did our best to make this comprehensive. We used it to repair our own E36 after all. If you think something is off, please contact us and we’ll remedy immediately. As always, proceed at your own risk and always make safety the priority. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of this information. Any action you take based on this guide is strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this information. Always prioritize safety, wear appropriate protective equipment, and consult a professional if you're unsure about any step of the process. If you lack the necessary skills or tools, we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance. Vehicle maintenance can be dangerous if performed incorrectly.