1997 Chevrolet Astro Steering Problems

“I own a 1997 chevy Astro van with 151k miles. Sunday, the power steering pump went out. When it did so, the brakes turned mushy with little braking power. We were lucky as we had just come down a steep driveway. If they had failed then our choices would have been to run into the back of a car if we could have turned, run into a group of people and then continued down a steep hill into brush and forest with likely casualties. Luckily, we had just started up to leave and noticed the problem. We shut down and the local chevy dealership was able to obtain a part. …”

“While driving at low a speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering and brakes.this was caused by the steel rod shaft breaking in the power steering pump. The mechanic stated the hydro boost system had malfunctioned.”

“I have a 1997 Astro, in the past 8 months the driver side window motor, windshield wiper motor and transmission have all been replaced. The transmission was replaced with 54,202 miles on it, which started giving us problems at about 53,000 miles. The dealership replaced both idler arms at 25,680 miles. Had seat belt chime fixed (recall), driver seat feels loose when stopping dealership claims to have tightened it, still feels loose. The van has always idled rough took it in 3 times for that and can't seem to fix that. Sliding door rattle they tried to fix that also still rattles. …”

“I have had a number of problems with this vehicle: both the left and right power windor motors; replace the key remote, both idler arms,front brake pad at 37,000 miles, serpentime belt, power steering pump - replaced twice, had to fix oil cooler lines twice, replaced distributor/rotor; replaced lower gasket due to intake manifold leak, and fuel pump modual. All of this was done before my car had 57,000 miles. The dealer has been very fair and repaired at low or now cost. …”

“There is a 1/2 metal shaft that goes into the pump that sheared off. I was making a hard right turn from a dead stop when the shaft snapped although I didn't know what had happened at the time. I only heard a noise but didn't know what it was at the time.. I lost the ability to steer and brake. I didn't know the brakes were gone until I began traveling down a hill and tried to slow down. The steering was very stiff and unresponsive. I was forced to slam the gearshift into park while traveling 35mph & using the emergency brake to stop. …”