Variable assist power steering (1 Viewer)

[bug616]

Does anyone have a part number for the solenoid?

 

[Madcrix12]

44020-60010

 

[bug616]

44020-60010

Well, that’s NLA. Couldn’t find one anywhere!

 

[Madcrix12]

yup rumor is some camry parts can work as internals are the same... i cant confirm thou

 

[Cobra81]

My 93 has variable assist power steering. Or maybe an idle up system. Does anyone have a manual with the details of this system? I would like to know how it works, how it affects steering, and what the resistance on the valve/sender on the box should be at while off, running, turning etc.

Nothing in the 96 USDM chassis manual, the EWD, or my 1992 HDJ81 manual. Searched here and the 80 series section and found nada.

thanks!
Andrew

I have exactly the same problem with my hdj81 PPS variable assist. Had steering pump rebuilt, bleeding well done but relentless difficulty operating steering wheel due stiff/hard. Realised later the steering box had a solenoid. Removed and tested it direct on 12V battery. Valve was stuck inside. Services it, tested it again, it worked and re-installed it but Pwr steering still stiff/hard. Disengaged solenoid and plugged it direct on battery power. Got Pwr steering back. But as I drove away from testing range on regular traffic, the power steering that seemed back and ok is gone back to stiff and hard. Further inspection I made revealed I have leak at times on the reservoir via cap, fuse ok and only 6Volt current on solenoid wire at idle. Is that normal ? Unsure about it. Is it the transmission speed sensor linked to the function of PPS solenoid ABS or VSS ? Bypassing the variable assist is dangerous due extremely loose steering at highway speed.

Glad to be part of this forum

 

[asutherland]

I don't think you'd lose steering, it may just become easier to turn (prob same as trucks without the VA steering?)

I think every truck I've seen has a small leak/weep at the resi cap. I know mine does, even after I replaced the resi with a brand new one.

I never did check the voltages at the solenoid unfortunately. But 6V seems an odd number to have. Solenoid should be on or off IMO.

 

[asutherland]

This should help!

 

[asutherland]

Last image...

 

[Cobra81]

Last image...

View attachment 3471183

Utmost gratitude for sharing this life saving FSM. I have learned and understood the system a lot as I am still trying to restore the steering back to it's original condition. I have a feeling that I'm going towards the right direction, thanks to your generous inputs and these FSM pages. BTW, part of the hard steering problem I also had was due to the steering column I have replaced with a scrap part for 40 usd for the whole assy. It was a lucky find. I can't wait to go through this checklist and hopefully fix the pps issue. My only concern now is to find the ECU in case that would be the culprit in the end.

Blessings

 

[80SeriesNomads]

So, I lost my power steering last year.
Took a long time to finish the power steering pump rebuild I thought I needed.
During the reinstallation it seemed to still not be working. So, remembering Andrew's struggles, I looked up this thread and pulled my variable assist valve solenoid.
It passed the continuity test, but failed the applied power test. No clicking.

Filled it with penetrating oil and let it sit for most of the day. When I came back to it, it passed the applied power test.

I reinstalled the newly cleaned valve and the rebuilt power steering pump.
(After one drastic issue that had to do with me improperly rebuilding my pump) everything tested fine and the system was bled.

Goodbye Armstrong steering. Instead of needing two hands to turn my steering wheel I can do donuts with just one finger. What a treat!!!

Long story short. If the variable assist valve is failing tests give it a good cleaning. Might save you some money.
Also, give your steering system some love. It's easier on your triceps and forearms.

What did you use to clean the solenoid/shaft? What did you fill with penetrative oil exactly? Sry, pretty new to this stuff

 

[POPO AGIE]

What did you use to clean the solenoid/shaft? What did you fill with penetrative oil exactly? Sry, pretty new to this stuff

If available where you are try Kroil. We use it on steam turbine parts that have froze up due to loss of clearance or nuts have been heated from operation.

We are able to get it from auto parts stores. It also has a very high flash point but will smoke but not ignite.

 

[roaminglost]

Has anyone deleted the solenoid?
I tried servicing mine today and it had no spring in it.