Leaking Power Steering Fluid

[camryle2001]

Leaking Power Steering Fluid on 2000 Altima GXE:
I found the power steering fluid below the MIN level about a month back and I topped it off to the MAX level. I have noticed that the fluid is again below the MAX level and soon will be below the MIN level. So there is obviously a leak.
The end of the small hose that connects to the reservoir is my suspect. It always remains wet and shiny with the fluid. I dabbed a tissue into the wet end of the hose and it was the same colour as the fluid. The other end of this hose that goes into the engine or the pump is dry.

Q1. So is it safe to assume that the end of the hose near the reservoir is leaking? The reservoir could itself be leaking but I doubt that. You people can help me figure it out.

Q2. If it is the hose, how do I replace it? As soon as unhook the hose thwe fluid will start leaking from the reservoir. I can drain that out and top off with a new fluid. But what about the pump? How do I make sure no air gets in the system? When I unhook the hose from the pump end and hook a empty hose and pour fluid, there will surely be some air going into the pump. What is the right procedure?

Thanks a lot.

[mmcleo11]

Replace the hose, do not worry to much about air getting into the pump. Fill the reservoir up with fluid and you will notice that all the fluid will drain into the pump to replace the air that was in there.
Start the car up and slowly turn the wheels all the way to one side and then all the way to the other about 5 times. Check your fluid, top up if required.
All done. Just make sure all your hose clamps are tight