Hi Guys and Gals! Once again lean on your collective wisdom. What would make both the power steering and power brakes go out at the same time? I was in a field pulling the S-10 with the Astro. Stopped to make an adjustment. Started the Astro back up, and no power brakes or power steering. No dumping of fluid anywhere Pulled both fuses and all looks well. What should I be checking next? Thanks,
Wayne
I believe the Astro uses a hydroboost power brake booster - it runs off the power steering pump, so both systems can fail at the same time. I checked online and found a mention of the shaft in in the power steering pump breaking. I also found this on a Chevy forum: "Made a u-turn in a 98 astro van and lost power assist to brakes and steering. Was able to get it going again by tapping on the combination outlet banjo/solenoid valve which has been added in recent years to the Saginaw vane pump which has been used for decades. Be sure to tap on the cast iron part of the banjo (close to where the o ring nut screws in and not on the plastic solenoid). Went ahead and took off the pump to take a look and see what really caused the problem. Found that the new pintle/solenoid valve can't be taken apart to clean. Also found that the relief piston in the pump is about .1" shorter than it used to be and was installed with a shorter spring. Also the new banjo nose/stop sticks into the piston bore about .1" more than before. Don't know if the piston simply goes deeper into the bore (and gets stuck) when the solenoid valve closes (caused by sharp turn/angle sensor?) or if the solenoid valve is actually the culprit."
Wow! Thanks Stuart! Had to take the Civic and head off to Ft. Lauderdale, so I'll check that first when I get back. Dang I love this board!!
