1997 Chevrolet Astro: pulls to one side

Filed Jul 1, 2005 · Seats · 140,000 miles · MI

Vehicle involved 1997 chevrolet astro 1. Seat recliner was being used when the handle broke off. The seat remained in the position established when the handle broke. Started driving the van and suddenly the seat back went completely flat. The driver was able to hang on to the steering wheel and maintain control of the vehicle although the vehicle did wander into the left lane during the incident. 2. I investigated the failure and found the plastic handle was intact, however the metal pivot piece that engages the serrated locking plate failed. This pivot piece also contains the torsion spring that locks the plate when the handle is not being actuated. The design is not intrinsicly safe in that the locking plate is pushed upward by the spring to secure the seat. As long as there is pressure on the seat the mechanism will stay engaged. Without a load on the seat, the locking plate can drop free due to gravity and the seat will recline backward to the full flat position. Examination of the pivot piece appears to show a crack started where the spring is secured and the crack propogated through the piece due to fatique and vibration until failure occurred. 3. The seat was locked into a permanent position using high strength fasteners and existing holes in the seat frame. Additionally, the locking plate was engaged and also pinned into place to further secure the seat. The reclining feature of the seat is no longer functional. I retained the broken adjustment handle with pivot piece.

Filed Apr 30, 2002 · Suspension · IL

While driving vehicle suddenly pulled to the left, causing driver to lose control of vehicle. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Please provide additional information.

Filed Jul 5, 2001 · Suspension · AL

Vehicle would wander across road while driving at 45 or more MPH. Left side suspension was replaced with lower control arm by dealer, and problem still reoccurring.*ak side sliding door rattles, consumer states this is annoying.

Filed Jul 21, 2000 · Suspension · CA

When coming to a complete stop right front wheels make a very loud noise. Also, vehicle severely pulls to the right. Cause unknown.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · TX

Vehicle has a "stop bump" or "drive line clunk" which is "corrected" by lubricating driveline slip yok and driveshaft every 2000 miles. This occurs when stopping and feels as if the car has been bumped from behind, causing it to lurch slightly forward. I've been told that it is not normal operation but can not be fixed. Also the alignment needs to be corrected every two months as it continually pulls to the right (an independent shop said the idler arms are bad). There are many squeaks, bumps and clunks coming from under the vehicle.

Filed Sep 24, 1999 · Suspension · CO

Van pulls to the right, excessive tire wear, dealer unable to correct

Filed Apr 17, 1999 · Brakes, Suspension · PA

Vehicle developed a random pull while braking, particularly in rain or snow & slush. In the beginning it was only the first time you applied the brakes after you drove 2 or 3 miles then it happened on dry pavement. It happens only occasionally, but can be very severe, it nearly pulled me into the guide rail on one occasion. This started around 12000 miles and it now has 46000 miles on it. The dealer has replaced pads, turned rotors, aligned the front end twice, and ground the clearance on the calipers twice. At gm denied having more complaints about this but I have heard of other paople with the problem. I was called by the dealer the other day to bring it in again to lower the front end and another alignment. I recently took it on a trip in which my brother inlaw drove it and asked me "have you noticed this thing pulling?" my wife also drives it and has complained to me. This vehicle has a problem , and I suspect there are others! I had a 1992 astro awd but never had the problem. A friend of mine traded her astro awd off because it had a similar problem, but pulled to the left, into oncoming traffic. I 've been lucky so far, but it could easily cause an accident because on some of the severe incidents it has pulled me off the edge of the road.

Filed Mar 10, 1999 · Brakes · PA

When driving at 30 MPH and applying brakes vehicle is pulling to the right. Dealer made adjustment's on the brakes, and replaced the brake holes. Vehicle has been in and out of the repair shop time after time for repairs on the braks, and the dealer can't determine the problems.

Filed Jul 18, 1998 · Brakes · MI

Brakes are soft and non-responsive, pull to the right or left and sometimes grabs.

Filed Mar 27, 1998 · Suspension · NV

Vehicle pulls to the right.