While driving in New Mexico in September 2001 I experienced a sudden loss of power steering. Continuing for approximately an additional 1/2 mile I pulled over and checked the power steering area. The high pressure hose end connected to the powersteering pump had separated from the fitting in the pump. Upon further inspection I found that the end that separated used an internal snap ring allowing the metal line to separate from the pump. The other end of the line was a standard high pressure hydraulic flare fitting common to brake lines and obviously far superior in design to the failed end. There is a segment of high pressure of high pressure hose so the reason for this inferior type of connector is unclear and unsatisfactory. Contacting Ford provided no satisfaction and no answers. Four Ford dealers have been contacted and all are familiar with the problem. Contacted Ford direct and they said contact the dealer. I have the failed hose and a solution - please contact me. I plan to change this regardless of any outside assistance or cooperation. The local tv station already did a piece on this event last week and I'm getting thumbs up for pursuing this. Let's get something done. This is totally unsafe and there is an obvious and inexpensive cure.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA