2003 Astro AWD LT, 145k mis, current owner 2 years
Developed “binding” a few months ago, in front wheels during tight slow turns and sometimes when shifting out of park into reverse. Local mechanic didn’t see any obvious problems in front drive, transmission tech also did not see obvious front drive problem or any problem with transmission (though neither tech has done a deep-dive diagnosis).
Prior to appearance of binding, had bounced the undercarriage off of a loose parking lot curb, which broke a gasket seal. Binding problem appeared after service to repair that leaking transfer case gasket, and then replacement of front drive shaft (when original shaft couldn’t be re-installed without vibration, following gasket repair). Binding developed some days after replacement of drive shaft, but I would not guess these repairs are necessarliy related to the development of binding.
After a couple of weeks of binding, AWD dash light started to appear intermittently (more often off than on).
First repair attempt was to replace transfer case with one from previous Astro (same model and year) that I had owned, so I knew that this replacement transfer case and encoder motor were in good working order. Also, new transfer case fluid (from earlier gasket repair) was transferred from original unit to replacement transfer case, so fluid must be good. But this change of transfer case, encoder motor and fluid had no effect on binding symptom. Tried pulling ATC fuse, to no effect. No changes made to tires or wheels, pressures OK.
Wondering whether the AWD dash light indicates an electrical problem. Maybe harness connections were not good after original repairs (or wires damaged) ? Or is TCM bad (would have to be just coincidental to earlier parking lot bounce and repairs) ?
Or, is there something in the front drive line – CV joint, axle u-joint – that is broken ? Not hearing any sound that would be typical of CV joint failure. Trans tech said that the front differential is probably OK because there is not an audible sound from it (and fluid level has been checked). Van drives just fine when not making tight turns.
What say you ?
Developed “binding” a few months ago, in front wheels during tight slow turns and sometimes when shifting out of park into reverse. Local mechanic didn’t see any obvious problems in front drive, transmission tech also did not see obvious front drive problem or any problem with transmission (though neither tech has done a deep-dive diagnosis).
Prior to appearance of binding, had bounced the undercarriage off of a loose parking lot curb, which broke a gasket seal. Binding problem appeared after service to repair that leaking transfer case gasket, and then replacement of front drive shaft (when original shaft couldn’t be re-installed without vibration, following gasket repair). Binding developed some days after replacement of drive shaft, but I would not guess these repairs are necessarliy related to the development of binding.
After a couple of weeks of binding, AWD dash light started to appear intermittently (more often off than on).
First repair attempt was to replace transfer case with one from previous Astro (same model and year) that I had owned, so I knew that this replacement transfer case and encoder motor were in good working order. Also, new transfer case fluid (from earlier gasket repair) was transferred from original unit to replacement transfer case, so fluid must be good. But this change of transfer case, encoder motor and fluid had no effect on binding symptom. Tried pulling ATC fuse, to no effect. No changes made to tires or wheels, pressures OK.
Wondering whether the AWD dash light indicates an electrical problem. Maybe harness connections were not good after original repairs (or wires damaged) ? Or is TCM bad (would have to be just coincidental to earlier parking lot bounce and repairs) ?
Or, is there something in the front drive line – CV joint, axle u-joint – that is broken ? Not hearing any sound that would be typical of CV joint failure. Trans tech said that the front differential is probably OK because there is not an audible sound from it (and fluid level has been checked). Van drives just fine when not making tight turns.
What say you ?
