Loose Steering/Ign Stuck

[97ChevyAstro]

hey guys,

I've had this problem with my van for about a year and never fixed it. I haven't been using it. Now that I plan to get a boat and do dome camping. I want to get her in good working condition.

Basically a few things, engine and tranny is strong for a 97 Astro with 123K miles RWD.

Few things I want to get fix, and want to do it all myself.

1) There's a huge play in the steering wheel. I can go down the road about 50MPH and move the steering about 2 inch back and forth and the wheel will not move (turn from side to side). With the motor off, I can turn the wheel free play 2 to 2 1/2 inches before it actually starts to move the wheel.

2) My key is stuck in position 1 on the ign. This leaves the (P R D 3 2 1) lights on that kill my battery. Where do I start to looking to fix this?

3) AC only blows on the defroster VENT, I know I know yes I did search some (little bit), I'll check the hose to see if it's crack/rotten/or lose.

4) AC is not too cold, I recharge it myself with the 134a from autozone, it run cold for a few days and go back to cool, not COLD.

Any help is welcome, I can/will do most of the work myself. As always visual pics are great for me and makes it a lot easier.

Thanks
mike

[LiftedAWDAstro]

1) There's a huge play in the steering wheel. I can go down the road about 50MPH and move the steering about 2 inch back and forth and the wheel will not move (turn from side to side). With the motor off, I can turn the wheel free play 2 to 2 1/2 inches before it actually starts to move the wheel.

This can be adjusted some by tightening the steering box preload. Search here for info and pics.

2) My key is stuck in position 1 on the ign. This leaves the (P R D 3 2 1) lights on that kill my battery. Where do I start to looking to fix this?

I would look at the switch linkage, key itself or the switch.

3) AC only blows on the defroster VENT, I know I know yes I did search some (little bit), I'll check the hose to see if it's crack/rotten/or lose.

Replace the vacuum tube going to the "T" located on the side of the blower motor panel.

4) AC is not too cold, I recharge it myself with the 134a from autozone, it run cold for a few days and go back to cool, not COLD.

You are gonna have to get it checked out with some dye and fix the leak.

[97ChevyAstro]

Thank you, for the info. I'll look into most of it this weekend. I'll search the forum for thread and pics related to this, if you guys come across any please post it up.

Thanks
mike