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HOW TO: Test and repair Variable assistant power steering or VAPS Valve

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  • 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 have to copy this link bc of the sensored text... admin fix?


    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
    Last edited by Hellrazor; December 26, 2012, 03:33 PM.
    Sæther Probe GT 2.2 turbo intercooler -91
    Probe GT SITE Garrett GT3076R, Turbonetics NEWgen wastegate, big IC, 3inch custom exhaust, Wiseco pistons, Pauter rods, Performance bearings, Eibach springs/tokico shocks, Probeinator chip, MBC, KN air filter, A/F ratio Autometer, MSD 6AL, SSBlaster coil, 8,3mm plugs, ClutchMaster stage 2, Findanza alu flyweel, Engine mounts, Toyo proxes T1r tires, and every bushing replaced.

  • #2
    yeah.. i'm dealing with this crap right now...

    -brand new rack
    -a 2 year old rebuilt power steering pump
    -no leaks anywhere
    -solenoid clicks with 12volts
    -no power steering with voltage applied to solenoid

    I would say there's 'barely' power steering.. maybe 10% there... I've even tried blocking off the line from the solenoid that goes back to the reservoir, still nothing, and leads me to believe that maybe it's not the damn solenoid.

    What the **** could it be?
    89 Probe GT "Ruby"
    06 Cadillac CTS-V

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    • #3
      It clicks when its mounted on the rack? Did you do the VAPS test?

      Its a pretty easy fix with the exhaust off, lucky for me i had welded on those clamps when i did the 3inch. The old exhaust is a PIA. Sry i havent more photos to help you, that damn phone broke down on me with the other pictures.
      Sæther Probe GT 2.2 turbo intercooler -91
      Probe GT SITE Garrett GT3076R, Turbonetics NEWgen wastegate, big IC, 3inch custom exhaust, Wiseco pistons, Pauter rods, Performance bearings, Eibach springs/tokico shocks, Probeinator chip, MBC, KN air filter, A/F ratio Autometer, MSD 6AL, SSBlaster coil, 8,3mm plugs, ClutchMaster stage 2, Findanza alu flyweel, Engine mounts, Toyo proxes T1r tires, and every bushing replaced.

      Comment


      • #4
        Still found your thread helpful, Hellrazor

        Thanks...

        Larry T

        Comment


        • #5
          Thank you
          Sæther Probe GT 2.2 turbo intercooler -91
          Probe GT SITE Garrett GT3076R, Turbonetics NEWgen wastegate, big IC, 3inch custom exhaust, Wiseco pistons, Pauter rods, Performance bearings, Eibach springs/tokico shocks, Probeinator chip, MBC, KN air filter, A/F ratio Autometer, MSD 6AL, SSBlaster coil, 8,3mm plugs, ClutchMaster stage 2, Findanza alu flyweel, Engine mounts, Toyo proxes T1r tires, and every bushing replaced.

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks for the help!

            Comment


            • #7
              No problem
              Glad I made this thread about it!
              Sæther Probe GT 2.2 turbo intercooler -91
              Probe GT SITE Garrett GT3076R, Turbonetics NEWgen wastegate, big IC, 3inch custom exhaust, Wiseco pistons, Pauter rods, Performance bearings, Eibach springs/tokico shocks, Probeinator chip, MBC, KN air filter, A/F ratio Autometer, MSD 6AL, SSBlaster coil, 8,3mm plugs, ClutchMaster stage 2, Findanza alu flyweel, Engine mounts, Toyo proxes T1r tires, and every bushing replaced.

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by pek32132 View Post
                  Thanks
                  Know how to say anything else?
                  1995 Escort GT lowered, KLZE, CAI, long tubes, 2.5 inch exhaust, Fidanza fw, mx3 trans, and on ZEX
                  1996 Escort LX bagged, mx3 leather buckets, gt bumpers and skirts, 2.0l zetec swapped, cai, borla muffler, 3 yellow tops, Hornblasters train horn kit and a MASSIVE sound system

                  Comment

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