P/S Hose Blows off on '98 Windstar

[reyndiesel]

I have a '98 Windstar, 3.8, with 160,000 mi on it. Last week the P/S steering hose came off (the short line up by the radiator, the rubber line that comes off of the metal one coming back from the rack) and puked all the fluid on my driveway. I re-attached it with a hose clamp and then the next day, it came loose again, only this time, down at the other end of the splice, down by the bottom of the radiator, so I re-attached it, then it came off at the top again. It has done this before, always in cold weather, and I even took it to the dealer and they had to fix it twice because they said they didn't know the line had a splice in it. Before, I have always been able to re-attach it and it works for several months or more. Any ideas? Is it supposed to have a splice in it? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brad

[wiswind]

I am guessing that this is the return line, from your description and my mental picture of mine.
I would give the nipple, where the hose connects, a good look......Look for signs that it might be cracked or broken.
You may need to replace the hose......most likely 3/8" diameter......which is what it is on my '96 (tranny lines are 5/16", Power steering 3/8")
Remember to use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to refill the power steering fluid resivoir.
I think that your year will be Mercon (now replaced by Mercon V) ATF.
Mobil 1 ATF would be a good, easy to find, choice.