Doesn't sound like the same thing with mine - mine seems normal enough until you get it about an inch from going in. Then it just stops. You can wobble and shake it around all you won't but it will not go in.
As for the hose, which one are you asking about? I replaced them all. If it's an OEM hose, you need to ask Mr. Part Number for that. If you're talking about the generic replacement, it was just a "power steering hose" in a box with a whole bunch of other boxes of assorted hoses at the Advance Auto Parts down the street. It ended up being a perfect fit.
