Brakes and steering

1995 Chevy Astro both the power steering and power brakes went at the same time. Prior to that there was a high pitched screeching sound, battery light cam on dashboard. Then screech stopped but van wouldn't and could hardly steer.

Check you power steering fluid level, the reservoir is located under the hood just on the driver side of center. The Astro brakes power booster works off of the power steering fluid pressure. If the system is that low, you will most likely have air trap in the system. Fill reservior, then turn the steering wheel all the way to the right then all the way to left, slowly at least 15 times, check fluid level.

Same thing happened on my 96 Astro. I lost both steering and brakes at the same time. Most cars have a vacuum assist for the brake booster. The Astro has a hydraulic boost that comes from the power steering pump. My power steeering pump seized after a thump sound when I was trying to start her up. I took it to a dealer and they said I needed a new power steering pump which I authorized to replace. I immediately received a call back and the dealer said after they replaced the pump my brake pedal immediately went right to the floor. They then had to replace the power boost. This is a small cylinder just next to the master cylinde toward the middle of vehicle. All told it ran around $1300. Bad problem to have.