I have a low mileage (55,000) astro AWD that has the following problems...in order of importance....


1) The vehicle front end bucks and clunks when I attempt to make a turn, either left or right,.....when I straighten out the wheels, it goes away and vehicle is fine...this happens at slow speeds and while I park...basically any time I cut the steering wheel, there's a drive-train thump....I'm guessing CV joint/axle? I changed lube in both front & rear diffs....How would I go about diagnosing this problem? I have access to a lift...

2) Vent AC/Heat control not working....The fan speed settings work perfectly, as does the hot/cold switch....Problem is in the far right (on dash) vent control switch...it's blowing out the defroster & heater no matter where I put the switch....I had the doghouse off and didn't see any frail, rubber hoses that could've crack or otherwise failed...everything is either hard plastic or steel vacuum lines... Any help would be appreciated on this....

3) driver's power window works, then stops.....wait a while and it'll go up a few inches (or down) then stop again....Could this be the motor?


Sorry for the three questions....but I really love this van and want to get it back to working order...


Thanks

 

I've had 2 of your problems.
The vent/AC is most likely a vacum hose problem. it attaches at the rear of the motor and because of the heat back there, they're prone to this problem. My mecanic fixed it in < 1hr.

I'm currently living with the window problem. would love to find out that i don't need a new motor, but not optimistic.

 

I think bmwelch is right, it will be better if you'll have a Car Maintenance Check-up, you may check this site chevrolet truck parts or chevrolet truck part (whatever you call it) for solutions about your problem.

 

Hi All;

1st problem : solved by draining out the old red transfer case fluid and replacing it with GM's Auto Trak II. Took 2 US quarts and now drivetrain is silent....total cost...$14.00...

2nd problem : Found a thin, hard plastic vacuum line that started along side the PCV valve connection in manifold, and runs across front of manifold to a three way junction by the firewall....This vacuum line was burned through in a small spot...I replaced the line (about 2 feet long) with store bought 5/32" line and the A/C, heat, defrost, etc came back on like new...Cost....$1.50.....

3rd problem: Ordered a new power window motor off Ebay...$22..00 including shipping to my door....drilled out four 1/8" factory rivets, removed old motor, installed new one...four new rivets...window is like new...Elapsed time...13 minutes and an additional $1.50 for pop rivets..


Thanks all for your advice here..


regards.....


varmint