What part is this?

[Mike93]

My guess is the VAPS. It's located on the steering rack...and mine looks like it's seen better days. I see that the end of the cylinder has 4 wire leads that are nice and corroded...and the wire harness was chillin OFF of this part for who knows how long now.

Curious:
*exactly what this part is
*what it does
*where can I buy a new one

 

[SuperHO]

supercharger clutch

 

[shoon]

supercharger clutch

You sure?
looks like a transmission torque multiplier solenoid to me..

 

[Mike93]

Great help...glad you both can offer up something worth while.

 

[frosho]

Yes it is for the VAPS system. The Ford manual lists it as the Power Steering Auxiliary Actuator, part number 3N803. I haven't shopped around for one, so I'm not sure where or if you can buy it new. You could try the WTB section.

 

[shoon]

Sorry, could not resist.
It is in fact a "VAPs Actuator". Its a stepper motor connected in line with your power steering pressure hose.

As vehicle speed increases, it's supposed to choke or restrict power steering pressure to the rack to give the steering wheel a firmer feel; requiring increased effort to turn the steering wheel at highway speeds.

Edit:

Heres a way to check to see if its good or not:


Not sure if you can get them new or not anymore.. but if not, you can probably get a used one in good shape off someone in the WTB section of the forums.