power steering questions?

i have a 99 windstar,and the power steering has making noise for awhile and also got tight to turn while at a idle.i have replace the rack and the pump,and changed the ps fluid,but is pretty much the same.i cant think of anything else but the ps pressure hose to replace.the pump seems to really be straining to push pressure to the rack.has any one else had to replace the pressure hose? could it be clogged? please give me some ideas. thanks

Usually they give you a screen to put in the fitting from the pump to the power steering hose. This is to collect any metal shavings from the damaged unit. I would check this out before buying a new hose.

there wasen't any kind of a screen between them.but there is a "pod"(i don't know what else to call it)on the pressure hose right behind the pump and i dont know what it is. i'm thinking that it is some kind of factory ps oil filter,because the on at the parts store dosent have one on it,and i didn't order one yet till i find out what that pod is for.also this is a 3.8L. i think that if that pod is a factory filter and it's clogged the pump would strain like it is.does any one know what this pod is for ? is about the size of a beer can,and is black in the ps pressure hose .thanks