96 Infinity I30. Over the last week or two noticed the smell of raw fuel both inside an outside the car. Found the source of the leak today…the fuel line (or what I assume to be the fuel line) that is located almost directly behind and a bit lower than the oil filler cap. There is a section of rubber hose (approx 3” long and maybe ½” OD), running horizontally from front to rear that joins two metal fuel lines.
So, assuming you know what line I’m attempting to describe, does this hose serve any purpose other than to connect the two metal lines. Also, given the position of the hose clamps and Phillips head screws, are there any tricks to replacing this hose?

Note: On a 95 Maxima GXE this same fuel line (or what I assume to be a fuel line) is different. The Maxima fuel line actually curves upward and then back down and there appears to be two rubber connecting lines. Replacement may be much easier because the hose clamps are more accessible.