1997 Chevrolet Astro steering problems

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Steering · 151,300 miles · WA

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. However, the service writer told us that to this day, many chevy vans and trucks have the same system where the power steering pump acts as a booster pump for the braking system. That lack of independence between the two systems is an engineering error and should be corrected.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Steering · 78,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Mar 13, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · 53,000 miles · MI

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. The gas pedal sticks when I take off or when I go in reverse which makes it impossible to take off smoothly. I had an astro and a safari in the past and never had as many problems as I had with this one.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

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. I have had two trips shortened due to breakdowns and have spent over $1,500 on repairs not covered under warrenty or by the dealer. This is in addition to normal maintenance (oil and filter,four new tires,and transmission fluid and filter). I am concerned as to "what is next" and when the dealer when no longer be able to fix these problems at low cost to me.

Filed Mar 27, 2002 · Steering · PA

Intermittently at slow speeds or when turning in any direction and applying the brakes, the vehicle loses steering control and binds up. Twice the power steering pump was replaced. The problem has exsisted for 6 months and is progressing. The dealer has been notified. Nlm

Filed Oct 15, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · TX · crash · 3 injuries

Brakes and steering failed simultaneously, resulting in a crash. Gmc knows about the problem and will not fix it until enough people die. My family was almost killed. Anyone who has had a family member hurt or killed in a gm van should sue gmc.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Steering · OR

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. The pump cost $300 to replace but we have transmission damage as well with the repair bill still unknown. We had the vehicle towed.

Filed May 29, 2001 · Fuel system, Steering · IL

Fuel gauge stopped working. Air conditioner and transmission broke.

Filed May 7, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · CA

It was very dangerous, imagine driving at 65 MPH on a hwy without brake and steering control. I was lucky it went out on me while in the driveway.

Filed Apr 26, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · DE

Consumer states while driving, electrical system failed and vehicle ceased as battery ran down, replaced alternator and ignition coil and wire.