Four problems related to steering idler arm have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Astro. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
A metallic noise was heard from front of vehicle. Steering would not function properly. Consumer found the steering mechanism had come undone, that the bolt and nut had come unscrewed and the steering arm unconnected from the steering mechanism. Dealer however, found broken idler steering arm and loose upper ball joints, dealer also stated that a front end alignment was needed. Manufacturer notified.
On two occasions, vehicle almost lost steering, due to excessive play in the idle arm, consumer states idle arm fails every 20000 miles.
Idler arms failed causing vibration and premature wear of the tires.
Control arm broke, causing the front end to drop which may cause a loss of vehicle control. Also, idler arm broke 5 times. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem.