Fixing up my leaky power steering

[E36bimmer318]

So today while working on my 97 318ti car I noticed that my power steering seemed to be leaking pretty bad. Both hoses that run from the reservoir to the pump and rack are hard as a rock. I want to replace both hoses but it appears that the small hose that runs from the rack to reservoir is going to cost $51 plus shipping! Do you think I would be okay just buying the same size hose from my local auto parts store?

Here is the pelican link to the hose: http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-41-1-093-137-M20&catalog_description=Power%20Steering%20Hose%2C%20S teering%20Rack%20to%20Fluid%20Container%2C%20318i% 2Fis%2FiC%20%281995-99%29%20318ti%20%281995-99%29%2C%20Each%20%20%20

[013137]

Yeah your local parts store would be fine.

[southpaw]

Yea, you'll be fine, but I highly recommend using a GOOD QUALITY hose clamps, those tend to be the culprits.

[1604169]

I just replaced mine last week with some hoses from a hydraulic supply store. Cost me $10 for 18 inches of 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch 300 psi hose. Probably over kill, but it worked great. Plus 4 screw clamps for $2 made this a pretty cheap repair.

The reservoir's themselves are prone to failure, which meant I replaced that at the same time.

[E36bimmer318]

Thanks a lot guys! I will be buying an entire new reservoir as well. ECStuning has them for $15 so it is a cheap repair.

[013137]

Yea, you'll be fine, but I highly recommend using a GOOD QUALITY hose clamps, those tend to be the culprits.
+1
I had to upgrade my clamps about a month ago.