Where to start with Chevy Express Steering/Brake Issue?

[riggyk]

So fitting enough I just purchased a used 2003 Chevy Express 3500 cargo van with around 107K miles. Dealer I bought it from had it sent out to a mechanic who told me it mostly looked sound aside from an ABS sensor that was a bit quirky. So that issue was at hand at purchase as my ABS were randomly locking up a bit and definitely something I wanted to look into. UNTIL, yesterday with my 3 hour ride home to work on the van, my brakes started feeling like I really needed to push on them to stop. By the time I made it home, I basically had to jam all of my weight on them just to slow down (dangerous) and my power steering was nearly impossible to turn.

Does anybody out there have history with an issue like this as it pertains to a chevy express or cargo van? -- Is it best to just check fluid, refill, and then drive to mechanic, or should I just have this thing towed?

Things to note:

 - There was a trail of fluid in my driveway, so I assume there's SOME kind of leak, though I don't know the extent of it or for how long it went on.
 -  Brakes got tight first, then the steering. Not sure why or if the order matters, but essentially both cut out.

 

[NeedAnEscape]

It looks like the Express vans use hydroboost brakes, so the power steering and power brake system are related.

 

[squatting dog2]

seems to be a common problem. 

http://repairpal.com/power-brake-units-may-leak-fluid-from-hydro-boost-unit-410

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=36956

depending on your mechanical skills, it can be overhauled. 

http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/operation-diagnosis-and-repair-of-hydro-boost-power-assist-systems/

 

[riggyk]

What's a best practice for finding a good mechanic who would know these vans? I don't really have a guy per-se and want to get this handled as quickly as I can. - Best to search for a Chevy dealer?

 

[MikeRuth]

riggyk seems like a few basic test and checks on your part are in order, then again if your not up to it then yeah a good mechanic is in order. At least check the reservoir and make sure it is full. If that leak is small then once full, for at least a little while the system should work as it should unless a belt is slipping. 

Dealer obviously will handle it but I suspect your at there mercy and will be more expensive than an independent..

Looking for an independent usually means asking friends for recommendations.

 

[highdesertranger]

so do you want to fix it yourself or do you want a shop to fix it? that's the first question. if you want to fix it yourself we can help. highdesertranger

 

[riggyk]

I honestly know very little to nearly nothing about car mechanics, so I"m looking to get it into a shop

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Bottom line here is that the power steering pump also provides power to the power brakes as well as the steering.  If both the steering and the brakes are acting funny, and you're seeing signs of a fluid leak, then most likely something is leaking and your steering fluid is low.  If you keep filling the steering reservoir up, you should be able to drive it, carefully, to get to a garage.  You may have to stop several times to refill it.

Basically, the system consists of the pump and reservoir (driven by a belt), the steering box, the brake power booster, and the various hoses in between these items.  If the leak is one of the hoses, it might not be too expensive a problem.  If it's one of the other things, it could run into some money.  Good luck.

 

[GotSmart]

If one hose is bad, get an estimate for changing them all.  One of the first things I did with my van.

 

[riggyk]

So essentially I should think about it this way:

1) Rule as to whether it is the hydro boost or the master cylinder via the type of oil leakage: break/vs steering fluid.
2) If not either of these, check whether it could be a hose, and if so, potentially replace all of them.

 

[GotSmart]

So essentially I should think about it this way:

1) Rule as to whether it is the hydro boost or the master cylinder via the type of oil leakage: break/vs steering fluid.
2) If not either of these, check whether it could be a hose, and if so, potentially replace all of them.

Hoses get old.  http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/  is a good place to buy parts if you are going to do the work yourself.  

Look for the source of the leak first.

 

[steamjam1]

Hydro-boost.. We useto call this "pump out; *ss out."

 

[riggyk]

So went and got some power steering fluid today and thought once I threw a whole quart in it might give me some time.... literally the majority of it leaked out of the underside and now noticable difference to the steering or brakes....... a tow might be in order here

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

So went and got some power steering fluid today and thought once I threw a whole quart in it might give me some time.... literally the majority of it leaked out of the underside and now noticable difference to the steering or brakes....... a tow might be in order here

Sounds like maybe on of the hoses split.

 

[CottonTexas]

If you don't have a garage, then try AutoMD. I like to fix things myself when I can, but sometimes I'll pay for an hour of diagnostics just so I know exactly what the problem is, and from there I can judge whether to spend the $ to have it done, or if it's something I can do myself and save. Hope that helps, Cotton