Great DIY OP, thanks. I had hesitant acceleration and occasional rough idle for almost a year now. I thought it was my spark plugs or coils and changed everything out but that didn't do anything. Went ahead and checked my car's memory history and there were VANOS codes stored. Bought two new solenoids and installed them within 20 min thanks to OP's great DIY and this youtube video:
My car is running super smooth, no more rough idles, hickups or any hesitant acceleration. Feels like a brand new car now
