Steering Wheel Play... and...

[97AstroNY]

Hey guys, I got a 1997 Chevy Astro that I neglect to fix for the past 2 years, I only change oil and go that's all, and the "ol faithful" has been working real great.

I am now fixing her up.

Problems:
1) The steering wheel have like a 2 inch play from each side, if I am driving down the highway I can rock the steering back and forth for two inches and doesn't even move the van, kept going stright.

2) The air is only coming tru the defroster, I search and found the vacuum line fix, and will attempt that today (if I have time)

3) Brakes, I need to change all rotors, drums and pads, best place to get them?


#1 is my biggest concorn... all suggestion is welcome.

Thanks
mike

[CD Smalley]

#1 = Idler arms. Get Moog replacements.

[97AstroNY]

Thanks for the reply.
How hard is it to replace that, and after it's replaced, will I need an aligment?
Will I need, one or two? sorry for the no0b questions

Would this be the problem for sure, because I've been trying to solve a problem on my BMW 330 and end up sending alot on parts and still in the same place, until I sell it.

But I want to get this fix for sure.

Where will be a good place to get this for a decent price?

Thanks again
Mike

[inafogg]

hello, best to get under van & have a look while someone moves the wheel.im not sure but thought the van had rack n pinion steering??let us no good luck

[CD Smalley]

With the right tools an easy job. You should be able to see the play in the idler arms if they are that bad, while watching them as inafogg suggests.

Any parts store should have them in stock.

Yes I'd recommend an alignment afterwards. In fact, it might be best to just have the alignment shop do the work. Specify MOOG parts though!

[97AstroNY]

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at it myself this weekend and I have tools I will be doing all the work myself. I just wanted to have an idea, I'll let you guys know how it turns out.


Again thanks for the respond.

[Blue Bowtie]

CD is all over this one. The right idler arm is #1, the left idler arm is #2, and the tie rods are #3 for slop in steering on these vehicles. MOOG "Problem-Solver" parts are a must if you never want to have to do it again.

No rack and pinion. This is a mid-sized van, NOT a mini-van, and therefore requires real truck components. A recirculating ball worm and sector steering gearbox is used, just like on every other real truck.

Expect to need an 18mm socket, something to remove a cotter pin, a separator fork, appropriate hammer, and a grease gun. No need for alignment after replacement, but it never hurts to have the alignment checked in case something else is out of spec.

In lieu of the fork and hammer, you can "cheat" with air tools:



You'll also need a 7-8mm wrench to install the grease fittings in the replacement arms, and the nuts on some of the replacements are 17mm.