1998 Chevy Astro Brakes and Power steering

1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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MOJOMOSER75
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  • 2 POSTS
After driving thru a major snow storm and going back and forth several times to get in my garage I found that my steering wheel was extremely hard to turn and my brakes werent completely engaging when applied. The next day I removed the wheels and found large amounts of ice and snow in the rim wells and around the caliper. After removing the ice I was able to turn the wheel again but it is still tight and the brakes dont engage completely. Is there a correlation between the two items listed. The steering wheel turns freely with the front end off the ground after I removed the ice. Any suggestions?
Feb 7, 2008 at 3:04 PM
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TECHMAN1
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I think your 2 problems are un-related. The power steering is belt driven. The brake assist is vacuum operated.

Have you checked your fluids since Clinton was President? (I mean the guy Clinton)

If you are low on power steering fluid, you may only see the problem when you turn and the sharper you turn, the worse it would get.

You may have a cracked or rotten hose as part of the vacuum assist brake control.

These are not expensive problems to fix if that is indeed what they are.
Feb 9, 2008 at 12:43 AM
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MOJOMOSER75
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Actually, in response to you comment. which I appreciate the input....the two are related. The brakes are no longer vacuum assist...they are in fact assisted by the hydraulic power boost which also effects the power steering.....I found that the hyrdaulic pump had a broken pump shaft....one the pump shaft was repaired the brakes and steering were fine again but thanks for the input anyhow,,,,
Feb 9, 2008 at 1:38 AM
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