How did you bend it? When I was fiddling with mine I could slide the hardline forward in its mount to get the hose closer but it slid back when I let go. I think the hard line was flexing behind the mount and then springing back into place.Yes, I also used a hose clamp from West Marine. Pricey $6 stainless clamp but it is smooth bore and much better quality than my first $0.25 Home Depot hose clamp. Slight differences in the positioning of the hoses relative to the radiator on the 4x4s leaves the lower steering hose short. I put a slight bend in the lower rigid portion of the power steering line to create a bit more slack in the line.