A whirring noise just started (96K miles) in the area of the left rear tire.
Could it be the fuel pump or abs ? It comes on as soon as the key is turned to the on position before ignition and the noise stops 2 seconds after shutting down.
This is my first post here. I've had all the other troubles every other '99 astro owner has had ie drive side pwr window, rough/non start, wet carpets, etc.

Probably is your fuel pump, take off your gas cap and listen with your ear close to the opening, while somebody else turns the key to the on position. See if you can hear the noise louder. When was the last time your fuel filter was changed, if you have a plugged filter the pump will have to work harder to pump fuel. Around here a fuel pump and labor will cost about $800.

Thanks for getting back to me.
I'll climb under and get back to you.

Well it is the fuel pump. Dealer to replace for $770 parts and labor. But friday the transmission started shifting hard from 1st to 3rd skipping second (i think) and lost reverse all together. $2000 later ...
When it rains it pours.

I know what you mean, my 1996 Astro, has cost me, $2000 in the last 2 months, Alternator, tune up, Ball joints and Idler arms. The upper ball joint broke on me while I was driving a 90km, thru us into on coming traffic. Just glad I was driving and not my wife. And now the transmission pan gasket starting leaking, a week after having my driveway repaved.