1993 Astro Day Van

[Jim UK]

I've had the Astro for about seven months now – my first American vehicle – and apart from being mistaken for the A-Team on tour – it's been good. Starts first time every time, although with petrol prices in the UK it can be hard to justify driving a vehicle with such low mpg. I have almost finished doing a major service on it but can't figure out how to get at the plugs. Also it seems a little noisy from the back – not vibration just noisy – I changed the diff lube and gasket – but if anything it seems louder! I've also changed the auto fluid and filter not that I thought the noise was coming from the gearbox I just wanted to rule it out. Maybe that is what it is supposed to sound like, after all it is a van. Any observations or advice from Astro owners would be welcome.
Jim UK

[CD Smalley]

Plugs - sometimes are easier to remove from the underside of the van, if you happen to fit there. Myself, I have placed the front of the van on jackstands and removed one front tire at a time to gain access to the plugs through the fenderwells.

On noise from the rear-end - Suggest you put the rear end up on jackstands and place the van in Neutral. Next spin each tire. You might hear a low rumbling from one side or the other. It would be my guess that you have a failed outer wheel axle bearing, probably on the right side.

[Jim UK]

Thanks for the information. I'll give it a try.
Jim UK