Wavey ride

TECH7NC

MEMBER
CHEVROLET ASTRO

We have a 2000 Chevy Astro with about 160000 miles on it. We bought it used and have had very few problems with it that I couldn't repair myself inexpesively. It seems to ride very loosely, it sways back and forth and is hard to keep sturdy and feels very swaying in turns. When we come to a quick stop while taking off from the signal it feels like the rear axel is rotating under the vehicle (heard thump). While I was replacing our (in tank) fuel pump I noticed that some very large bumper like things on the bottom at the rear of the van seemed very dry rotted and worn. Where can I find a complete listing and illustration breakdown of these components so that I may do the repairs myself. I already had an alighment done a few monts ago to correct a tire wear problem. Thanks. :)

1 Reply

SHROOM

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I have had 4 astro's and everyone of them I had to replace the idler arm, I just picked up an 86 with a little rust. It had worn inner and outer tie rods. You could twist these more then you should. YOur tie rods should not be able to be rocked around freely. Also check the stabilizer bar. The control arms that connect it. Look at the mounting area just back 2 inches. Thats where I found a crack. Now my swaying problems are over. But definitely the idler arms. They are easy to change. Just unbolt and a qu ick hit and they are off. I would look over my entire front suspesion. One usually leads to another small problem. If you still have shocks on that and not struts and go to replace them, do not buy the ecomony types. Go no less then midrange for trucks. Otherwise you'll wear them out in fast style.