2000 chevy astro questions

[atherts01]

I have a 2000 chevy astro that I use for hauling my four wheeler and my kids dirtbikes. But when I get my open trailer hooked up and all the gear in the van sags really bad. Is that the shock or leaf springs? My second question is that I have a ABS and brake light that comes on after I have been on the road for couple miles. I was told it's the main ABS unit that's under van on the drivers side. How hard is it to replace it myself? Also get everyone opition on replacing it with one from a salvage yard. The local chevy dealer want $1100.00 to fix it. Last question: how hard is it to replace idlers arms?

[old_master]

Springs control ride height, shocks dampen the action of the springs. If it's sagging, it needs heavier duty springs.

Have someone with an ABS capable scan tool check the ABS before you replace ANY parts. It might just be a wheel speed sensor...inexpensive to replace compared to the EBCM.

Idler arms are a matter removing two bolts through the frame, remove the cotter pin and nut, and separate the idler from the center link. Make sure center link is perfectly level before tightening the frame bolts back up.

[Blue Bowtie]

Idler arms are a common wear item on Astros.

A common problem with the ABS units on Astros is the power relay. It is part of the ABS modulator unit under the vehicle. As teh Master suggested, scan the ABS system for codes before replacing anything, otherwise you might be wasting a lot of time and money for no gain.

If the van sags,there is a very good chance that the tongue weight of the trailer is excessive. The trailer needs to be re-balanced or have the load distributed differently to limit the tongue weight. About 50-80 pounds of tongue weight is all that's necessary to keep it secure on the hitch and prevent rattling. Any more than that is unnecessarily loading the rear suspension. The trailer weight should be borne on the trailer axle, not the vehicle axle.

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The trailer needs to be re-balanced or have the load distributed differently to limit the tongue weight. About 50-80 pounds of tongue weight is all that's necessary to keep it secure on the hitch and prevent rattling. Any more than that is unnecessarily loading the rear suspension. The trailer weight should be borne on the trailer axle, not the vehicle axle.

the tounge weight should be 10% of the gross total trailer weight. 50-80 pounds might not be enough to prevent the trailer tounge from bucking upwards over a rough road and cause rear end hopping or loss of traction and stability in the tow vehicle. the trailer hitch should have the maximum dead weight and tounge weight stamped in it. is a factory tow package? if not aftermarket hitches may be rated higher than the vehicle so in that case check the owners manual for your maximum towing capabilities.