Help - 1992 T-bird Power Steering

I have a leak in my high pressure hose assembly. On checking it out, I find this assembly appears extremely complex! The hose connects from the pump to a long skinny cylinder, from the other end of which it is routed back and forth a couple times, and finally connects to the rack assembly. Does anyone know what the purpose of all this is? It's all very inaccessible...! The engine is the 5.0 V8.

In looking for a simple (and cheap!) fix for the leak, I noticed it would be a real easy job to cut off the end of the metal tube coming out of the pump, and also the one coming out of the rack assembly (where they change to rubber hose), then join these two (the ends are only a few inches apart) using a generic piece of high-pressure hose and several aircraft-type clamps. This would bypass that long skinny cylinder.

Trouble is, I don't know what that cylinder in the middle of the factory hose does, and wonder if the system will work without it.... it looks like another Ford "idiot idea" to me...

Anybody know? Have any comments? Thanks!

evo power steering silnoid it gives high pressure at low speed and low pressure at high speeds

evo power steering silnoid it gives high pressure at low speed and low pressure at high speeds

Thanks! Actually, I would expect to see that solenoid up near the pump fittings, so figured this car didn't have that option. Also didn't see any wires attached to this cylinder, but it's tough to see down there, so I'll have to take another look... The Ford parts guy did use the term "evo" when he told me the replacement hose cost $160... which doesn't much matter as he also said it's now obsolete! My NAPA guy lists a replacement hose for around $37.

I was wondering if it might be some kind of filter or surge-arresting device...

Thanks! Actually, I would expect to see that solenoid up near the pump fittings, so figured this car didn't have that option. Also didn't see any wires attached to this cylinder, but it's tough to see down there, so I'll have to take another look... The Ford parts guy did use the term "evo" when he told me the replacement hose cost $160... which doesn't much matter as he also said it's now obsolete! My NAPA guy lists a replacement hose for around $37.

I was wondering if it might be some kind of filter or surge-arresting device...
there is two quick connects in line for adding a power steering cooler they would have a spring loaded nippel on top when you push in fluid comes out

Thanks, Jake. I don't see anything like that on this system. It's leaking real slow. If I wipe it dry when I change crankcase oil, it doesn't even drip by next time. I'll just let it go for awhile... maybe the hose will outlive the car...