Hi Steve,

Did you ever find a San Francisco-based mechanic for your Astro you like? I'm in the same boat! I've had my Astro for a little over 2 years and really like it, but she needs some attention I can't give her.

I'd love to know if you found someone!

Thanks,
Craig

Howdy folks, Brief update on The Unicorn. She is alive again, after replacement of the power steering pump. Brake pedal still feels a bit weird to me, but that may be just bad memory at this point, as it's been a while. Transfer case still needs replacing, but at least she is moving again! Thanks fo...

Well things just got a little weird...in a good way I think. I went out to raise the front, turn it on and spin the front wheels to check to see if the brakes were definitely preengaging (not sure if I checked with engine on last time, and mechanic asked me to check). But first I said to myself &quo...

Thanks, Captn, Yeah I wish I could work on it, but here in the city it's pretty tight quarters both to other cars, and neighbors' windows. And I really appreciate all the help and thoughts and searching assistance! I do have AAA Premier (the only level that will tow a motorcycle, I learned the hard ...

Gentlemen, I appreciate all the help and insights. I certainly agree with the concept that I won't really know any answers until I "get my hands dirty." However, I rent a 1BR apartment and am specifically forbidden from working on my van in my uncovered parking spot. So as much as I'd love...

Did you loosen the PS reservoir cap? (I have no idea if that is vital, but I would think unsealing the system is important. Perhaps not.) Your scenario sounds similar to mine, but my brake pedal does not feel right. Or at least it doesn't feel like it used to. Mine feels like it is half broken, or h...

So I got up early and decided to try the hydro boost diagnosis. Here is how it went. Pop the hood, loosen the PS reservoir lid, wrap reservoir with a big towel. Get in van and slowly pump brakes 5-10 times. It feels like the first half of the movement is purely mechanical (meaning no fluids are movi...

Sounds good, Captn, but don't rush to do it tonight on my account. Doesn't look like I will get to do it tonight.

Thank you very much for the links, Captn! I will go home and test the system, but I have some questions about the process. From RECox286, in the other thread. My questions in color: To check the brake booster: ▪ turn off the engine ▪ place some old rags under the p/s reservoir to catch the fluid tha...

Yes, driveshaft turning in neutral, engine off. From talking to my differential mechanic, it seems that buying a complete rebuilt TC unit is the way to go. It doesn't sound like they dismantle, diagnose and repair the internal parts of the TC. Typing that sentence out now makes me concerned about us...

I saw the rear driveshaft turning. And for full transparency, the other rear wheel was still touching the ground. Guess the van is a little weight-lopsided. Edit: Engine was off. When I first encountered this problem, and again when I randomly started the van recently, it feels like the tranny engag...

I finally got the back end up on the jack, and found the rear wheel i checked to move pretty freely, as far as I can tell. Obviously some drag since I'm turning a big wheel through a differential and TC up to the tranny, but about what I would have expected. No catching or grinding feeling. Power st...

(Potentially) interesting development: I turned the van on today and noticed that a) the brake pedal partially self-compresses as soon as I start the van and b) the steering is suuuuper heavy. Like I can't even turn the wheel. Surprised I didn't notice that earlier. Was probably distracted by "...

Captn, thanks for the thoughts and insights. I'm going to go home and fire her up to see about a) the revs, and b) the steering.

Stay tuned!

I thought of another question or two: Pretty sure this is a really dumb question, but I'm gonna ask anyway...Is it safe to assume that simply changing the TC fluid is not going to bring it back to life? Regardless, my next step will be to check for grinding and binding (which I expect to find, based...