Brakes and Steering Issue

Post Reply
User avatar

Topic author
Rileysowner
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:14 pm
Location: Exeter ON
Contact:

Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Rileysowner »

I just returned from a great camping trip. The drive back was about 9 hours with several stops for food and restroom needs. When I got home I was working at backing the trailer in and got the front tire hung up on the curb. Pulled forward and immediately noticed that my power steering was gone, that is, it took all my strength to turn the steering wheel. I decided to turn around at the church across the street and when I was seeking to stop I had very little brake power. The pedal still is nice and high and there is a good amount of brake fluid. It was getting dark so I was unable to check the power steering fluid. At the moment my van is on the front lawn with the trailer half on/half off the driveway.

My questions are:

1) Is there one thing that could cause both these problems, or was it just an unhappy coincidence that both went at once.

2) Where should I start the trouble shooting?

3) Any other suggestions that might help me figure this out.

I am rather frustrated right now largely because I am really tired. On the positive side, at least this didn't happen on route when I was going through a bunch of hills with a lot of other traffic. Hopefully this is something I can get fixed without having to jack up the van on the lawn since i can't imagine it would be that stable on the lawn for going under.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat

http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
User avatar

Smiliesafari
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 2667
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
Location: Orlando, FL

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Smiliesafari »

Hose came off of the hydro boost. The belt came off of the power steering pump. Just a guess. The power steering pump operates both the power steering and the power brakes.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
User avatar

Topic author
Rileysowner
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:14 pm
Location: Exeter ON
Contact:

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Rileysowner »

Ok, that is a place to look. Nothing seemed to be leaking, so a belt falling off would make sense although I thought there was just the serpentine belt in the van. Hopefully it is clear to see once I can look in the light tomorrow.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat

http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
User avatar

Smiliesafari
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 2667
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
Location: Orlando, FL

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Smiliesafari »

It is a serpentine belt. I've also seen the tensioner fall apart which would release the belt.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
User avatar

Topic author
Rileysowner
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:14 pm
Location: Exeter ON
Contact:

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Rileysowner »

Got out this AM to have a look. The belt looks fine and the tension seems to be proper. However, the Power Steering reservoir is way down, just showing 1/4 inch or less on the dip stick.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat

http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/

Kidhauler
I sleep in my van
Posts: 877
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Vancouver B.C.

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Kidhauler »

Both systems run off the power steering fluid. If it was low that could be the problem just Check for leaks after you fill it up the fluid went somewhere.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
User avatar

Topic author
Rileysowner
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:14 pm
Location: Exeter ON
Contact:

Re: Brakes and Steering Issue

Post by Rileysowner »

Topped it up, still no power. I have not been able to find a leak yet, but have not had much time to look. I am expecting the worst with a PS pump having gone bad.
"I have a torque wrench and I am not afraid to use it."
Jim
1997 GMC Safari RWD, Power Windows and Locks, 7 passenger, a/c, rear heat

http://rileysowner.blogspot.com/
Post Reply