Replacing whole thing did solve the leak issue.
You are correct on the quick connects not being lined up does cause leaks. if they are forced and held of center I have seen them leak in the past. Not leaking now as they are straight.
I always make them line up and then usually zip tie them to make sure they don't shift as much. if they are not OEM parts. I have found OEM parts tend to work just fine and all the "adapters" seem to have leak issues if they are not lined up. must be who makes them not following strict standards. hmmm
