Lexus Repair: High Pressure Power Steering Hose, path of least resistance, power steering hose

Question
I currently own a 97 Lexus SC300.  I have had the car since day one. I recently (2 weeks ago) spent 1,500 on a power steering pump and rack n'pinion (sorry for spelling). I notice the steering wheel was making the same noise and saw some power steering fluid leaking.  Lexus dealership just informed me that the high pressure power steering hose has a pin hole in it, causing the leaking. After hearing the frustration in my voice, they explained that since the power steering pump is new, is was putting pressure on the old hose causing it to break. The hose cost $550.00!!!! Not counting labor!!!! I have been taking my car there since day one, 10 yrs!!! I want to believe this!! Does the explanation make sense??? Or am I being taking for a ride???

Answer
P/S STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE FOR THIS VEHICLE IS PRICEY. 500.00 TO 600.00 FOR THE PART ONLY IS THE RANGE I'VE SEEN. LABOR COST MAY VARY FROM AREA TO AREA AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE EXPLANATION DOES SOUND LOGICAL. REMEMBER FLUID PRESSURE AS WELL AS CURRENT TENDS TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. THE LINE, WHICH DOES INCLUDE RUBBER, AS WEAKENED OVER TIME. SO WHEN THE PUMP AND RACK WAS REPLACED, THE WEAK LINK BASICALLY BECAME THE PRESSURE LINE. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN, BUT I HAVE SEEN IT BEFORE. THE BEST ANALOGY I CAN COME UP WITH WOULD BE IS IF YOU WOULD DO A VALVE JOB ON A MOTOR WITH A LOTS OF MILES, YOU RUN THE CHANCE OF THE ENGINE BURNING OIL. BECAUSE YOU'VE SEALED UP THE VALVE PORTION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER,THE PRESSURES HAVE NOW INCREASED,THUS THE WEAK LINK IS NOW THE RINGS.GOOD LUCK