Steering/Brake Problem on a '96

Hello,

I bought a 1996 Astro Van not too long ago and noticed that whenever I was stopped at a stoplight, if I were to step on the break and try and turn the steering wheel, it would almost make the entire vehicle shut off. Today my wife took it out somewhere and when she was pulling in, she was surprised to find out she couldn't brake OR steer. I went and tried it and it is nearly impossible to turn the steering wheel and you have to stand on the brake to make it stop.

I checked the power steering fluid and it isn't empty or even low. Any ideas?

Thanks :)

The power steering pump needs to create pressure before brakes or steering will have power assist. If the pump is creating pressure, and there are no leaks, the hydraboost unit will need replacement. It is located between the brake master cylinder and the bulkhead, (firewall). It's not a difficult job at all, about 30 minutes time to replace, but the unit it is expensive.

very very pricey...just get a new truck...its not worth it

hydro-boost testing and bleeding procedures here; http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/11/af/18/0900823d8011af18/repairInfoPages.htm

I just bought a 97 Astro and the pedal pulses as if te ABS is active when I stop and the PS is weak at idle. It surges really bad when accellerating from a stop and I's suspicious it has something to do with the hydroboost. Mine doesn't seem to have the increased brake pedal effort people talk about though. The PS reservoir is full of fluid though? I'm betting on the hydroboost.

John