My vehicle currently has 140,000 miles and the repairs were done in 2004 and 2002 with about 8000miles between the change and 15,000 since. The dealer is the one that originally indicated the problem, which to my recollection, started as a problem with the power steering cable shorting out and loosing all power steering. I was informed that OEM parts were used from the stock at the dealership. I do not have the tools or the knowledge to do the project myself and I trusted the dealership too many times.
As far as checking the ACV - no one has ever checked it. My opinion is similiar to yours, in that there may be another avenue to the problem.
Thanks, I'll have someone check the ACV.
terrimac