1999 Chevrolet Astro Steering Problems

“Pulling into our driveway in the evening the power steering pump went out. As I tried to stop our van I noticed the brakes were also gone causing us to roll into the corner of our home (brick) at approximately 3 - 4 MPH which caused approximately $2500 worth of damage to the front end of the van. No one was injured. It cost $300 to get the power steering pump replaced and another $75 just to replace the radiator fan and shroud so the vehicle could be made drivable again. …”

“The contact stated the vehicle lost power assist steering & power assist brakes simultaneously while driving 3 MPH. There were no warnings prior to the incident. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer, however, after some research, the contact discovered the power steering pump had failed, causing lack of pressure to the brakes and steering. Updated 10/25/2006 - the shaft in the power steering pump snapped.”

“Bent and twisted fingers. The texture (finish) wore off the steering. The steering system on this Astro is stiff high effort required by the driver to hold the wheel and also turn. When making a turn the wheel becomes harder to hold. Too much caster? The finish wore off the wheel and thus a replacement was provided by the dealer at gettles auto mall in sebewaing. I learned at that time that many drivers were complaining that the steering wheels were becoming slipperly, difficult to hold. At the time my right tennis elbow sympton was very painful, and later my right shoulder became painful. …”

“The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Astro. The power steering pump failed while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact applied the brakes, but nothing happened. He then depressed the brake pedal all the way to the floor, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle crashed into his home. The vehicle was towed to a shop and the mechanic stated that there was failure within the powertrain. He further stated that the power steering and power brakes were connected to the same unit, causing both to fail simultaneously. …”

“The contact stated while applying brake pressure at 30 MPH, there was an increased stopping distance and a loss of power steering which resulted in a rear end collision. The occupants were wearing seat belts, no injuries were sustained. There was minor damage to both vehicles, but they were able to be driven from the scene. The police were not alerted. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The manufacturer was not alerted. The consumer replaced the pump himself and discovered the shaft was broken in the pump. When the power steering pump failed, it caused the power brakes to fail as well. …”