power steering

NO...you have a leak there...study the fittings to see which one~

Opinion # 2..Ditto. "From time to time", sure, but not more than adding a couple teaspoons once or twice a year... it does not hold a lot to begin with. But if there are puddles on the ground where you park.... Possibly red because many P/S systems use ATF, or you hear the distinctive 'growl' of a P/S pump low on fluid within a day or two of topping it off, then either a hose or fitting, is leaking and needs to be addressed.

opinion 3....but where does the fluid go? compresses unto itself takin' up smaller space? the unit moves with respect to the mounting bracket...so eventually will need one or more of the hoses replaced~ I'd "pet" the outside of the rubber hose with a bit of tissue to see where's it sproutin'~