Hi all - first post and not sure if this is the right place but here goes nothing. 2005 Ford Ranger, 3.0L.

I noticed low power steering fluid a few weeks ago, topped it up, and finally clued in the leaking spots beneath the truck meant I had a problem to deal with. Investigated the lines last night and there's definitely a weak spot in the rubbing hosing wall where it contacts the frame, and it dribbles ever so slightly when the engine is on (first investigated with engine off and couldn't find the leak). Bought a new power steering pressure hose assembly today (paid too damn much) and it definitely corresponds to the offending line so I'm confident it is the part needing replacement. However, I have no idea how to remove the quick connect fitting on the steel tubing where it connects to the power steering rack. The connection at the reservoir / pump unfastened easily with an open 18mm wrench. It looks like the new assembly has a metal piece you can put a screwdriver through to presumably bend the fitting out - but this fandangled piece isn't on the existing assembly.

I'm really limited in the tools I have, and am basically working in my driveway outside. I haven't the foggiest how to get this fitting out without removing a large number of things, cutting the tubing and sliding over the closed end of a wrench and hammering on it 'til it gives way. Maybe I'm missing something obvious, or maybe there's a special tool? I've scoured the internet and don't see any tips or tricks, most of them seem to be a threaded connection at both ends (which would make my life easier...).

Any and all help would be vastly appreciated. I've included the below photos to clarify explicitly what I'm talking about in case I've got my terms wrong.



New pressure hose quick connect fitting.

Offending fitting in existing pressure hose line assembly,

Thanks!