Highway traffic suddenly slowed due to an accident ahead. The steel brake line to the rear brakes failed due to excessive rust during an emergency stop on highway. The front brakes were able to safely stop the vehicle with no contact with any other vehicles. Steering was also very difficult during the stop possibly due to ABS action, but no wheel lock ever occurred.
1997 Chevrolet Astro: brake failure
15 of the 359 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Astro describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet astro. The contact stated that the ABS works intermittently while driving approximately 10 MPH. When approaching a stop, the brakes would not apply and she almost rear ended another vehicle. This has been a persistent failure ever since she purchased the vehicle. The dealer repaired the brakes at the cost of $125, but the failure persists. The dealer stated that there was no brake failure. The contact stated that in order for the brakes to work, she has to slam her foot on the brake pedal, but this solution is not always guaranteed. The current mileage was 50,800 and the failure mileage was unknown. Updated 01-10-08. *kb the consumer stated grossman chevrolet repaired the chevy van again on nov. 30, 2007 at the cost of $979. The consumer further stated in 2005 she rear ended a vehicle at 5mph because vehicle would not stop while applying the brakes. The dealer stated right front hub assembly was replaced, repaired front cover gasket, replaced front pinion, and replaced serpentine belt. Updated 12/31/07
Anti-lock brake failure as described in recent articles for gm model year 2000 and later. Near collisions with vehicles and property at low speeds. Problem is still not corrected, anti-lock brake system temporarily disabled to make vehicle safe to drive.
When t brakes were applied pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Please provide additional information.
Anti-lock brake failure.
While traveling 30-40mph applied brakes to stop and had no brakes, pedal was hard and resisted, did not hit anything, lost all power steering however, engine still running, had to shut down vehicle and restart it. Contacted dealership, but no solution was found. *ak
Power steering failed while driving 5 MPH and then the power brakes did not work. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer reported power steering pump went and offered 50% assistance program to pay for the repair. Dealer also advised that the alignment was severely out and would also need to replace all four tires. When dealer went to do alignment, he now informs us that the steering components are bad: pitman arm, 2 inner tie rods, and 2 idler arms. Dealer claims this is due to lack of maintenance, I.e. Greasing. This is the second alignment we have had to have done on this van (4/98 first alignment and replaced four tires at that time also. Had the van for 11 months??) we feel that steering components have been defective from the beginning thus requiring two alignments and two new sets of tires in 40 months. I called gm chevrolet customer service 1‑800‑222‑1020 and they report no recurring problems with the power steering pump. I will call about steering components.
While backing out of parking space & was trying to turn steering wheel and power module went out. Was depressing brake pedal & vehicle had no brakes. Vehicle towed to dealer. Was informed by mechanic that sterring & ABS brakes were connected to one another. When one failed, both of them were out.
Was coming to a stop light & started to apply brakes, and brake pedal went to the floor. Had no brakes. Did not hit anything. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Mechanic indicated that egr valve was opened due to carbon built up. Brake problem could be repaired, but could also reappear.
Steering & brakes went out at the same time. They are both assisted by the power steering pump.
While driving at 45 MPH applied brakes, no brakes, frontal impact occurred and neither airbag deployed. Dealer contacted and is aware of the problem. Condition of vehicle not determined. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
While driving power steering went out, causing loss of brakes. Possible booster failure. *ak
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Astro brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
15 of 359 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Astro (4%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Chevrolet Astro
Wipers 30Jerking 13Transmission failure 13Loss of power 12Power steering loss 11Pulling 10Fuel pump 9ABS 8Fuel gauge 8No deployment 7Power windows 7Fire or smoke 6Harsh shifting 6Slipping 6
VIN decoder
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