Variable Steering issue

[Ourobos]

My 03 has never seemed to be right since I've owned it. It's hard as hell to turn the wheel when sitting still, in a parking lot etc, like I have manual steering. Seems to work properly at speed. Has fluid in pump, pump appears to be working. I've read it could be the variable assist sensor on the rack. I also read on here to twist it, and clock it in different directions. I've tried that to no avail. I guess the question is does that sound like it's my issue? If so, is it replaceable by itself? And if so, what's it called at NAPA, or is it dealer only. Any ideas appreciated.

[Turbov6Bryan]

What have you done to verify the pump is actually working?

[Ourobos]

Well the belt is turning, and I think the fluid is circulating. Is there a sure fire way to determine if so or not?

[justbob]

It's probably the steering shaft ujoint rusted. Try spraying both of them with penetrating oil and rock it back and forth.


Builder Of Badassery

[Ourobos]

Will do, and report back tomorrow, thanks Bob.

[Turbov6Bryan]

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2376773

Id read that, dielectric grease the connector and lube the joints they are talking about

Ps I miss going to bowling green each spring for the Buick event

I've contemplated moving to BG, love that town

[Ourobos]

I removed that plug and cleaned the connections, and clocked it 3 different directions, unless the sensor is bad, I don't think it's a bad connection.

I need to get a blower on this Marauder so I can have more fun with those Buicks when they roll in. :D

[Turbov6Bryan]

Hehehe

It's one month away. http://www.gsnationals.com

Fun fun fun

[RF Overlord]

Well the belt is turning, and I think the fluid is circulating. Is there a sure fire way to determine if so or not?Look in the fluid reservoir.

[Ourobos]

Fluid was about 1/2" low, topped it off. With the car running, I can open the reservoir cap, and see fluid flowing, so it is being moved by the pump. My steering shaft was incredibly clean, but I soaked the whole thing in penetrating oil, top and bottom, worked with wheel multiple directions over a period of time. No change. I can hear the pump as I turn the wheel, it's not whining, it's like it's straining to turn the big wheels and tires. I don't think it's the pump or the fluid wouldn't be flowing through the reservoir, correct? Could it be the VAPS sensor on the rack? If so are they replaceable, and where's my quickest / cheapest source?

[Turbov6Bryan]

In that thread I posted they talked about a module behind the glovebox

Have you checked all your fuses?

[Ourobos]

I have not, I'll have to research which one to check. I have put an aftermarket head unit in, but the steering has never worked since I've owned it, even before.

[Ourobos]

All I see is fuse 16, but all that other stuff works

[MyBlackBeasts]

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/bf10434.htm

HOW TO: Test and repair Variable assistant power steering or VAPS Valve
Only the GT got delivered with the Variable assistant power steering

Many run into issues like, dead power steering, lack of power in the power stearing, power steering comes and goes. And now, with over 20years on the road it become more and more of a problem. It could be mecanical problem, or a electric problem.

First check list

Fluid level, flush, add new fresh fluid.
Overall check of the PS system, pump, pipes and rack ect.
If you do think its electrical issue, jump right to the VAPS diagnostic
test

VAPS diagnostic test
This is a great guide on how to read and run the test ( VAPS diagnostic test ) http://www.performanceprobe.com/doit...stics/vaps.php (http://www.performanceprobe.com/doityourself/diagnostics/vaps.php)

My problem and experiance - VAPS VALVE repair/replacement
When I had trouble with my PS, as in complety dead after the pump went out and started leaking all over the engine bay I had to drive home 340km, took of the belt and drove home with no fluid left in the system.. maybe some in the rack tough. After changing pump and added fluid, still no PS. So here we go...

I did a diagnostic test, and everything tested OK. And everything looked ok. After alot of searching i got to the VAPS valve located around the rack. It has 3 PS lines connected to it think. It has a wire down to it that should have 12V with key on engine off, it did... but no sound from the solenoid that is mounted on the VAPS valve. Got it off and it tested OK with 12V directly connected. (click sound)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...T/DSC_0696.jpg (http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk268/Saether_corp/PGT/DSC_0696.jpg)
http://youtu.be/Lk08o3cBV-E (http://youtu.be/Lk08o3cBV-E)

So the valve was stuck and the spring wasnt strong enough to push it back out...leaving the rack with no pressure. Disconncected all the pipes and got it out. Alot of WD40 and extremly carefull with a flathead screwdriver not damaging the valve it started to turn around a little, ending up with this:
http://youtu.be/RmQqD7EgfuQ (http://youtu.be/RmQqD7Egf%3Cu%3EuQ%3C/u%3E) (you may have to copy this link bc of the sensored text...)


I have to ADD:
* I recommend to metal polish the valve like i did before putting it all togheter!

Now it works fine!http://forums.probetalk.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif enjoy
http://youtu.be/kcocBywdmZg (http://youtu.be/kcocBywdmZg)

http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701311365

[fastblackmerc]

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/bf10434.htm

HOW TO: Test and repair Variable assistant power steering or VAPS Valve
Only the GT got delivered with the Variable assistant power steering

Many run into issues like, dead power steering, lack of power in the power stearing, power steering comes and goes. And now, with over 20years on the road it become more and more of a problem. It could be mecanical problem, or a electric problem.

First check list

Fluid level, flush, add new fresh fluid.
Overall check of the PS system, pump, pipes and rack ect.
If you do think its electrical issue, jump right to the VAPS diagnostic
test

VAPS diagnostic test
This is a great guide on how to read and run the test ( VAPS diagnostic test ) http://www.performanceprobe.com/doit...stics/vaps.php (http://www.performanceprobe.com/doityourself/diagnostics/vaps.php)

My problem and experiance - VAPS VALVE repair/replacement
When I had trouble with my PS, as in complety dead after the pump went out and started leaking all over the engine bay I had to drive home 340km, took of the belt and drove home with no fluid left in the system.. maybe some in the rack tough. After changing pump and added fluid, still no PS. So here we go...

I did a diagnostic test, and everything tested OK. And everything looked ok. After alot of searching i got to the VAPS valve located around the rack. It has 3 PS lines connected to it think. It has a wire down to it that should have 12V with key on engine off, it did... but no sound from the solenoid that is mounted on the VAPS valve. Got it off and it tested OK with 12V directly connected. (click sound)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...T/DSC_0696.jpg (http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk268/Saether_corp/PGT/DSC_0696.jpg)
http://youtu.be/Lk08o3cBV-E (http://youtu.be/Lk08o3cBV-E)

So the valve was stuck and the spring wasnt strong enough to push it back out...leaving the rack with no pressure. Disconncected all the pipes and got it out. Alot of WD40 and extremly carefull with a flathead screwdriver not damaging the valve it started to turn around a little, ending up with this:
http://youtu.be/RmQqD7EgfuQ (http://youtu.be/RmQqD7Egf%3Cu%3EuQ%3C/u%3E) (you may have to copy this link bc of the sensored text...)


I have to ADD:
* I recommend to metal polish the valve like i did before putting it all togheter!

Now it works fine!http://forums.probetalk.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif enjoy
http://youtu.be/kcocBywdmZg (http://youtu.be/kcocBywdmZg)

http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701311365

Good find!!

[Ourobos]

Well, I guess my next question, is it simple enough to get out before I go out and get down and dirty?

[Ourobos]

Well I'm getting 9.5v at the plug with key on or engine running, 0v key off. Sounds low?

I pulled what I believe is the VAPS, only piece attached to my rack, was right below the oil filter, which I had to remove, here's where it was :

http://www.bowlinggreenmustangs.com/ourobos/vaps1.jpg

Here is what it looks like :

http://www.bowlinggreenmustangs.com/ourobos/vaps2.jpg


http://www.bowlinggreenmustangs.com/ourobos/vaps3.jpg

This is the VAPS? I've cleaned it thoroughly but would rather get a new one. Where can one be acquired other than Ford? Or anyone have a part number?

[Ourobos]

Well, cleaned it thoroughly.. Cleaned the rod it mounts on.. Cleaned the connections.. Dielectric grease on all parts.. Didn't SEEM to help, I've read it may take a trip or two, I'm going to drive it some tomorrow.. I really don't understand how this piece works, it has to be magnetic or electronic, how can it control fluid?

[Turbov6Bryan]

That piece in your hand is just the coil that goes around the stem of the valve

The stem of the valve is what's now sticking out, and you need to take the valve out of the rack and see if it's stuck.... Is there a hex head so you can put a deep well socket to remove it?

My guess is your valve is stuck and the coil just can't overcome the stuck valve

Power to the coil magnetizes and actuates the stem to slide the valve

Hth

[fastblackmerc]

This is how VAPS works... select anyone of the links.
https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0LEVxpJm_VV1.0AvH pXNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcg MyBGZyA21jYWZlZQRncHJpZANEWW9t ejk0SFMwS0J0ZTdBQ05uUGZBBG5fcn NsdAMwBG5fc3VnZwMyBG9yaWdpbgNz ZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tBHBvcwMwBH Bxc3RyAwRwcXN0cmwDBHFzdHJsAzQ0 BHF1ZXJ5A2hvdyBkb2VzIHZhcmlhYm xlIGFzc2lzdCBwb3dlciBzdGVlcmlu ZyB3b3JrBHRfc3RtcAMxNDQyMTU5ND A5?p=how+does+variable+assist+ power+steering+work&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=mcafee&type=C111US679D20140731

This was in post #14 of this thread......... :shake:

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/bf10434.htm

HOW TO: Test and repair Variable assistant power steering or VAPS Valve
Only the GT got delivered with the Variable assistant power steering

Many run into issues like, dead power steering, lack of power in the power stearing, power steering comes and goes. And now, with over 20years on the road it become more and more of a problem. It could be mecanical problem, or a electric problem.

First check list

Fluid level, flush, add new fresh fluid.
Overall check of the PS system, pump, pipes and rack ect.
If you do think its electrical issue, jump right to the VAPS diagnostic
test

VAPS diagnostic test
This is a great guide on how to read and run the test ( VAPS diagnostic test ) http://www.performanceprobe.com/doit...stics/vaps.php

My problem and experiance - VAPS VALVE repair/replacement
When I had trouble with my PS, as in complety dead after the pump went out and started leaking all over the engine bay I had to drive home 340km, took of the belt and drove home with no fluid left in the system.. maybe some in the rack tough. After changing pump and added fluid, still no PS. So here we go...

I did a diagnostic test, and everything tested OK. And everything looked ok. After alot of searching i got to the VAPS valve located around the rack. It has 3 PS lines connected to it think. It has a wire down to it that should have 12V with key on engine off, it did... but no sound from the solenoid that is mounted on the VAPS valve. Got it off and it tested OK with 12V directly connected. (click sound)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...T/DSC_0696.jpg
http://youtu.be/Lk08o3cBV-E

So the valve was stuck and the spring wasnt strong enough to push it back out...leaving the rack with no pressure. Disconncected all the pipes and got it out. Alot of WD40 and extremly carefull with a flathead screwdriver not damaging the valve it started to turn around a little, ending up with this:
http://youtu.be/RmQqD7EgfuQ (you may have to copy this link bc of the sensored text...)


I have to ADD:
* I recommend to metal polish the valve like i did before putting it all togheter!

Now it works fine! enjoy
http://youtu.be/kcocBywdmZg

http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701311365

[Ourobos]

Excellent, wish someone posted before I got the new filter on lol. I do have a hex head on that valve, can I just remove it or is it necessary to remove the lines etc (I can forsee futures leaks if so).

Thanks

[Turbov6Bryan]

I would take it all completely apart

Most likely that valve assy is a trash collector and it may have sediment in it when you tear it apart. That's why the valve spool is stuck and not shifting

If the fittings are AN, pipe oring, tube flare or metric whatever, they don't leak if you take them apart. The fittings are generally designed for assy or disassemble without fear of future leaks

Id take the spool and clean it,like in the video,and the cavity it is sitting in and make them debris and burr free

If the spool doesn't move freely, that's your problem. It's stuck and could have contamininations in it from the fluid breaking down

Don't over think this procedure, coil energizes the stem of the valve to magnetically move the spool

Hth

[Ourobos]

Well I'm going to try to pull the valve without removing the whole assembly, I know my luck and power steering lines. I don't know when I'll have a chance, I've worked on my other 5 vehicles all day today, busy next few weeks. Any more input is appreciated, otherwise I'll update next time that I can put hands on it.

Thanks

[Ourobos]

Well after removing everything to get to it today, lines, oil filter etc, the big nut at the bottom didn't want to budge, not even sure it's threaded. I put it all back together to learn to live with manual steering until it's bad enough for me to replace the rack.

[Ourobos]

OK, so I tried to address this again today.. Thanks for all the links, but they do nothing for me. Has anyone removed this on a Marauder SPECIFICALLY? As you can see I removed the electrical solenoid, and even bought a $35 socket to fit the nut, but it WILL NOT come out. Is it seized, is it SUPPOSED to come off the rack? Wasted another 1/2 quart of oil it seems to attempt it again.

http://www.bowlinggreenmustangs.com/ourobos/vaps1.JPG

http://www.bowlinggreenmustangs.com/ourobos/vaps2.JPG

[fastblackmerc]

Well after removing everything to get to it today, lines, oil filter etc, the big nut at the bottom didn't want to budge, not even sure it's threaded. I put it all back together to learn to live with manual steering until it's bad enough for me to replace the rack.

Does your EATC & auto door locks work?

Occasionally my VAPS doesn't work and my EATC isn't lit up and the auto door locks don't work.

I'll check the wiring shop manual this weekend to see what is in common.

[Ourobos]

Yes, everything works on the car, other than adjustable pedal gear is stripped. I see the only fuses / relays for the VAPS also controls the air ride, which works perfect. Thanks for any help.

[Ourobos]

Not one of you gurus has done this on a Marauder in particular?

[Ourobos]

So no one has physically removed the VAPS from a Marauder rack.. Interesting

[fastblackmerc]

So no one has physically removed the VAPS from a Marauder rack.. Interesting

May not be removable.

It might have a left-handed thread.

[fastblackmerc]

Reading stuff on the interweb....

Try calling Detroit Axel http://detroitaxle.com/

According to this:
http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2742189
it just unscrews.

[Ourobos]

Hmm.. True.. I may try righty loosey I suppose next.. Otherwise, may just get a rack without it.. I've NEVER had it working, ANY power steering would be an upgrade.

[Ourobos]

Just saw your second post.. It may be worth it just to get a Detroit Axle tested piece for $35 in case mine is bad.. Guess I just didn't have enough pepper to twist it off (I lift weights 5-6 days a week, sarcasm)... I will give it another go though, it's a tight spot.

[Zack]

All you need to do is hook 12v up to the coil and feel it. You can put a screwdriver inside of it and it will definitely display a unique behavior if the coil is functioning

[Ourobos]

I'll try the 12v, but how do you 'put a screwdriver inside of it'.. It's solid through and through

[Zack]

I'll try the 12v, but how do you 'put a screwdriver inside of it'.. It's solid through and through

The coil
You posted a pic of it removed from the rack
The part with a connector on it

[Ourobos]

Ah gotcha.. So if it is creating a field, that pretty much verifies it's a mechanical valve issue or the likes I'd guess. Will try to get to it this weekend.