scarry front end fish tale??

[momof4]

So my steering has always been very loose but the last few days Ive been comming to a stop an the van will make like im on ice an do a front end fish tale move...any ideas what this is??

[momof4]

SO my van has always had real loose steering but the last few days when Ive started to slow down from higher speeds I notice it does a fishtale move like im hitting ice, an its in the front end. Any ideas whats breaking down NOW? Scared it will throw me off the road an leave us sittin.Had an Astro...LOVE HER! nnever had to put but maby 100 in her. Shes a 93. Bought this Safari a yr ago an she is a 95 an Ive had to put over 1500 in her already!!

[icebrrg3rd]

I know you don't want to hear it, but your steering SHOULDN'T be loose AT ALL. So if you have any slop, when you hit the brakes, the wheels will most likely be pulling in whatever direction they're facing, which sounds like not the same direction. It could be one (or more) of any numerous things.

First thing, stop driving, at least don't go fast. You could hurt yourself or others if you lose control.

Second, see what's bad. Crawl under the front, and grab the idler arms. Shouldn't wiggle much up and down, maybe 1/8". Lift the front end. Grab a wheel at 3 & 9 o'clock and try turning it. Both tires should move. If you can move one and the other doesn't, it's not good. Grab the tie rods and see if they move. Those would be the tie rods ends that would be bad (if not the idler arms) if they move. Grab each wheel at 6 & 12 o'clock and wiggle. Any movement it's most likely the ball joints. Grab the connecting rod (attached to the steering box) and see if it moves. That would point to a worn steering box. If all that is solid, you just might need an alignment.

Yes, no one want to spend tons of money on their vehicles, especially if you just got it. But the lack of maintainance is probably why it got sold, and you probably got it at a discount. That's also why it's recommended to have a trusted mechanic look at vehicles before buying, or at least figure out how much the repairs will run you and figure that into the cost of buying the vehicle. I know you spent 1500 on repairs (not sure on what) but steering & brakes are things that are important to have working right.

Sorry, hope it's something cheap.

-Andrew

[Jasen]

[workinVan]

under the front, and grab the idler arms. Shouldn't wiggle much up and down, maybe 1/8". Lift the front end. Grab a wheel at 3 & 9 o'clock and try turning it. Both tires should move. If you can move one and the other doesn't, it's not good.

-Andrew

both front tires should move opposite of each other, ONLY if its awd, if its rwd then the front will be independant of each other
also take a look at the sway bar connection and make sure they aren't cracked or broke off

[Astroplane]

This issue could be brake or suspension related as well. Time to do a visual inspection of steering linkages or have a shop you trust do a complete inspection. Please ask us any questions you have before driving your van again. Include detail on any odd noises, sounds, smells, etc. Does the steering wheel seem to pull one way or the other when this happens?

[momof4]

This issue could be brake or suspension related as well. Time to do a visual inspection of steering linkages or have a shop you trust do a complete inspection. Please ask us any questions you have before driving your van again. Include detail on any odd noises, sounds, smells, etc. Does the steering wheel seem to pull one way or the other when this happens?

No funny sounds noises smells etc. I figured it wld be somethin costly. MAN I LOVE THIS WEB SITE tho! My dad used to do all my mechanics but a stroke last yr took most of his memory. I really should of been payin more attention all those years. Bein a single woman takin a vehicle in for a oil change they try to rob me like im a complete idiot. What is it w/ men tryin to rip off women when it comes to vehicle repair really???

[astroturf]

This issue could be brake or suspension related as well. Time to do a visual inspection of steering linkages or have a shop you trust do a complete inspection. Please ask us any questions you have before driving your van again. Include detail on any odd noises, sounds, smells, etc. Does the steering wheel seem to pull one way or the other when this happens?

No funny sounds noises smells etc. I figured it wld be somethin costly. MAN I LOVE THIS WEB SITE tho! My dad used to do all my mechanics but a stroke last yr took most of his memory. I really should of been payin more attention all those years. Bein a single woman takin a vehicle in for a oil change they try to rob me like im a complete idiot. What is it w/ men tryin to rip off women when it comes to vehicle repair really???

Where in the World of AstroSafari are you located? Perhaps you could be put in touch with a trusted mechanic or member in your area to help you out. Just a thought. Jim

[icebrrg3rd]

under the front, and grab the idler arms. Shouldn't wiggle much up and down, maybe 1/8". Lift the front end. Grab a wheel at 3 & 9 o'clock and try turning it. Both tires should move. If you can move one and the other doesn't, it's not good.

-Andrew

both front tires should move opposite of each other, ONLY if its awd, if its rwd then the front will be independant of each other
also take a look at the sway bar connection and make sure they aren't cracked or broke off

Ok, I should have been a little clearer. When I said grab at 3 & 9 o'clock and turn, I meant like you are turning a corner, not rotating like it's moving forwards. The steering linkage should be solidily connected so if the left wheel starts turning left, the right wheel should be turning immediately too. The sway bar will affect how much you lean in a turn, but has no control on keeping the wheels pointed in the same direction. Still, broken links should be replaced to keep you level in the corners and give you a better ride.

momof4, if you need some pics to help you out or to show you what to look for, let us know. I know there are many pics on this great site, but sometimes searching for them is hard, especially if you're not sure what the part(s) are called or where to look.

Also, if you have a location (I see Decatur, is that Il?) a member nearby might be able to point out the stuff, and possibly give you a hand. Just keep us informed and we'll try and help you out the best we can.

-Andrew

[castle_Rock]

So my steering has always been very loose but the last few days Ive been comming to a stop an the van will make like im on ice an do a front end fish tale move...any ideas what this is??

My van is in the same boat - mainly the steering linkage needs to be corrected - as well as my pass. side ball joint replaced, since I had the drivers side replaced, they're not even. But despite the issues, I still drive it, since its the daily driver.

[momof4]

Its decatur Indiana, close to fort wayne:

[castle_Rock]

same post... same person... https://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7399

[momof4]

Im located in decatur indiana. Amish country.

[astroturf]

same post... same person... https://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7399

Yes it is. How close is the OP to the Castle?

[castle_Rock]

far... very far...

[astroturf]

Castle, You know of a good shop the OP could take it to? thanks. Jim

[castle_Rock]

Castle, You know of a good shop the OP could take it to? thanks. Jim

I'll rack my brain. Except I'm hungry.

[astroturf]

Thanks Castle... Now go get yer grub on... Thanks Again. Jim

[castle_Rock]

No probs.

[Astroplane]

MAN I LOVE THIS WEB SITE tho!

We do too! I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Tell him you found a great van owners' site that actually cares. Are you able to take/upload pics? Does the steering wheel seem to pull when this happens?

mainly the steering linkage needs to be corrected - as well as my pass. side ball joint replaced, since I had the drivers side replaced, they're not even.

Anything specific she could check?