Four problems related to power assist brake have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Astro. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Steering & brakes went out at the same time. They are both assisted by the power steering pump.
Sudden and simultaneous loss of power brakes and steering. Dealer noted broken shaft in power steering pump. This failure could have resulted in a very serious accident.
Power boost has gone out 3 times. Power steering and power brakes malfunctioned.