[Astro Traveler]

My ’87 Astro’s power steering pump worked well for 34 years but finally started leaking so I replaced it with an new AC Delco pump and high pressure hose, bleeding the system like my manual instructed. Everything seemed fine for several months when an intermittent hammering sound started coming from the engine compartment. I traced the sound to the new high pressure hose where the metal part of the hose was hammering against the power steering fluid tank.
I adjusted the hose position away from the tank but then the hose would vibrate rapidly, travelling about 2” back and forth. About a week later the power steering went out when I was driving. The metal end of the hose had completely disintegrated so I again replaced the high pressure hose and pump but the same thing happened. At that point I took it to a shop.
The shop researched the problem and said it was common with the Astro vans and that GM had come up with a reinforcing kit but none of those could be found so they improvised one. They also said the main accessory bracket was broken from this vibrating force. The power steering pump bracket is also broken and is proving to be difficult to find. They don’t think the parts can be welded.
I’ve had my van for 35 years and would hate to lose it over a weird problem like this which I’ve never seen written up anywhere. Any input on this would be appreciated.

 

[Sailing_Faith]

I suspect your broken bracket is what caused the other problem. Once you replace that it should be good.

 

[AstroWill]

When mine cracked, it was because it was missing the support on the back of the PS pump, at that point I didn't know that it was even missing as it was missing when I bought it. Look kinda like 1990 Chevy Astro Provan Tiger GTv8 Pop-Up Camper ?

These can still be found in the junk yard, or I'm sure with some comparing/sourcing you could even go with the newer style accessory brackets.

 

[Astro Traveler]

When mine cracked, it was because it was missing the support on the back of the PS pump, at that point I didn't know that it was even missing as it was missing when I bought it. Look kinda like 1990 Chevy Astro Provan Tiger GTv8 Pop-Up Camper ?

These can still be found in the junk yard, or I'm sure with some comparing/sourcing you could even go with the newer style accessory brackets.

Thanks Will. How hard was it to replace the main bracket?

 

[Mmusicman]

Early models had an absolutely horrible bracket system... extremely common for them to break.
Rather than breaking, my brother's early van sheared off the bolt that holds it to the block.
It cost him a lot of money to have it repaired. And then it's still no better than it was.

The newer model vans greatly improved the bracket system.
Not sure how feasible it is to upgrade, or if anyone has done it.
I believe one of the biggest hurdles is that the accys are on opposite sides.

If retaining the stock system.. I would most certainly ensure that it is tight, crack free, and a rear support bracket is in place.

 

[AstroWill]

Thanks Will. How hard was it to replace the main bracket?

It's not difficult at all, it's just unbolting a lot of stuff, replacing the bracket, and then reattaching everything. Borrow a power steering pulley puller/installer kit from your LAPS before you go to the junk yard so you can remove the PS pump.

 

[Astro Traveler]

I suspect your broken bracket is what caused the other problem. Once you replace that it should be good.

Now that I think about it, after the power steering failed I remember finding the nut that secures the pump to the bracket laying in the engine compartment. When that nut came off I'll bet that's when the main bracket broke. Thanks for the insight!