1995 Ford Aerostar Axel and Power Steering Issues. Please

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1995 Ford Aerostar 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

I took my 95 Ford Aersostar to the mechanic to get new spark plugs but when he put it on the lift he noticed that the front axel is coming apart on the ends. It looked very loose. I am scared to drive it in case it completely falls apart. This was a private shop and he quoted me $300 to replace it. But after researching online it sounds like it is alot mroe expensive than that. So not sure if I can trust he will be doing all the job or not. But I guess it is a 4 hr job? I can't wait and watch him for that long so not sure what to do. Does anyone know about how much it costs to replace the axel or does it sound like he is just replacing the parts?

And also, I have been have a major problem with the power steering. Somehow water or liquid is leaking into the power steering fluid and overflowing it with a very light pink color. Grant it, I mixed the power steering and transmission but it is much lighter than that. Can the axel have anything to do with that? Is that possible it can cause the power steering leak? Not sure how to fix this problem, I took it to mechanic and had all the fluid drained but now it is doing it again :( *sigh*. Seems to be one problem after another.

I would greatly appreciate all the help you can give me. Thanks