No brakes or powersteering

[Kristos99]

I have a 2002 Astro that the brakes and power steering both quit working. I am trying to determine what went bad. I am not sure if it could be the power steering pump or the hydroboost. Can anyone tell me how to determine which is bad? I do not see any leaks and the reservoir is still full.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Pump. The hydroboost is only for the brakes.

[Kristos99]

Thanks much. I will replace the pump. I appreciate your help.

[xshuey]

The same thing happened to me. It was my serpintine belt. Hope your as lucky

[doyoulikeithere]

if the serpentine belt is still there, it will be the pump.

[Kristos99]

Thanks for all you help folks. The belt is good. I am going to replace the pump as soon as the weather/snow breaks here south of Chicago. This winter has been tooooooooo long! Will let you all know how it goes.

[1Gary]

People rave about these hydro boost brakes and not so much from me.The vacuum boost brakes I had on my 85 blew away the one that where on the 94LT and the 94 had the larger upgraded front pads and brand new rotors on it. Atleast if the brakes on the 85 had problem,it didn't effect the steering as well.

[Rileysowner]

I had the exact same problem on my '97. Replaced the pump and all was well. I wouldn't want to do it in the winter though. It was hard enough in the warm weather of the summer.

[doyoulikeithere]

I have had about 5 astro vans now, and I have had only 2 of these pumps fail.
Both times it was in the winter. Also, Both times, I was burning donuts in a snowy parking lot when it failed.
You know, Foot hard on the gas, steering wheel cranked all the way to one side, then to the other, over and over.
Workin that pump real hard, yaknow? It was fun while it lasted, then limped home.... Is there a lesson to be learned there?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Lesson…yeah…do donuts in summertime!

[doyoulikeithere]

Lesson…yeah…do donuts in summertime!

=D> Ok !

[Vanjoe]

Brake lines burst. First to the rear... I needed the van so I put a bolt into the ABS module and drove with just front brakes. Then a bicycle pulled in front of me as I did a right on red. Stomped on the brakes and front line burst. (ran over bike but not the college kid on it)
Replaced ALL lines and while they were off tried to do the resoldier on the ABS control module only to learn my 1998 did not have the Kelsy Haynes 325 and it did not have bad soldier joints.
Put all lines in along with the non working ABS Cm. COULD NOT get rear brakes to blead. Did my bleeding with engine off. Then had a friend help pump brakes while I did the bleeders. We got a good hard peddle but no fluid or working brakes on the rear. Whatever, I needed the van. TEST DRIVE..... I have NO power steering and NO power assist to the brakes! Had to stand on the brake peddle with BOTH feet and pull on the steering wheel to work the brakes. WHAT THE HELL???????
ok, NOT MUCH CLEAR INFO ONLINE ON THIS. Sounds like a computer is needed attached to the van to tell the ABS to ALLOW bleeding. Or maybe using a vaccum bleeder or pressure bleeder. I tried to add power to the elctric motor on the ABS control Module to get it to pump fluid but it appears my ABS elc. motor is not working.

Anyone have any helpful hints? I note many people have out grown their old Astros and don't come to forums much. If I didnt really like my Astro AND had the money I would replace it but it has been more trouble than a good dependable vehicle for almost 2 years.
Anyone still around and have info on this weird deal? Power steering quit from bleeding the brakes and no power assist to the brake system.

[ihatemybike]

No power steering or brakes?
That indicates a problem in the power steering / brake hydroboost system. Usually low fluid or bad pump.

I replaced all the brake lines on my 1999, bled with the engine running and they were decent. I then went and did some hard braking on gravel to get the ABS to kick in, then bled the brakes again. They were pretty good after that.

[ihatemybike]

Also, please teach yourself braking via:
engine braking by downshifting
and
shifting into neutral/using the e-brake

[Vanjoe]

Yep do all that now. And since abs quit a couple winters ago I downshift often.... especially around snowy corners.
Done with brakes for now.... looking for a write up on replacing the PS pump. Started tearing it down last night. Gonna finally replace the AC compressor... thats a real PITA project. Did it with a used compressor and it didnt last long enough to have the system recharged.
And on the list..... find the dang electrical gremblin that drains the battery overnight often but not always.
Concider the power seat or electric locks wires. And this showed up after I did the Big 3 and added some VERY well done wiring to a second amp, inverter and heavy duty power outlet. I was beyond anal doing the elctric so I really dont see it as the battery drain.

Looks like another week will be spent in the garage. If my first Astro was a Gen II, I would never buy another. LOved all my old Astros but none of them could tow my camper. One thing I love on Gen II is the mighty Vortec 4.3!