Noticed the power steering return hose was getting a bit soft. (that's what I get for using a hose that wasn't exactly rated for PS fluid) :/ Well, it was rated for oil.
Anyhoo.. got the NAPA (yep NAPA) replacement part, fitting, pipe, and hose. Only problem is with my setup the reservoir is too close to the power steering unit and the bend puts way too much stress on the plastic tank. So now I've got a spare and eventually will have time to throw a bend in the pipe to make it fit. Spares are good. :) Just wish I would have remembered why I used that long bit of hose in the first place.
So... off I go to Autozone to get some PS return line. And oh boy ..did I get it.. Right up the arse.
They had the line. The computer said PS return line. The computer also said $8/ft. O_o
That is what I would expect for supply line. And sure enough it was. You can tell by the abrasion resist coating and double weave. But that's all they had apart from the other line that went soft. So out goes $20 for 2ft of hose that should cost about $6 max.
(2ft so I can turn a loop to relieve stress and match the fittings up)
Three quarts of fluid from NAPA (two for flushing, one to fill) and it's all better now. (purple, but better)
Of course one drive around the block and the stuff that didn't get pumped out will make the whole lot brown again.
The only thing I'm left wondering about is if I should replace those springy bandclamp things with real hose clamps. Supply hose is harder to compress around fittings.