1991 Chevy Astro Steering Wheel moves while driving - van s

1991 CHEVROLET ASTRO
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SARACHOPSTIX
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Steering problem
1991 Chevy Astro 6 cyl Automatic 250000 miles

My Astro van runs alright considering how old it is. I've had it for a year and a half now and there has always been this steering problem. While driving in a straight line, the steering wheel turns right and left on its own but the van stays straight.

I am about to move from FL to the north and am worried about a long haul like that and the steering problem. Granted, when I moved down here from up north, it had the same problem....but I'm worried that an additional 1200 miles might cause a real problem.
Nov 28, 2008 at 6:12 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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How much movement? is it more like a vibration? Can you keep wheel from moving with a tight grip?
With van sitting how far do you turn wheel before tire moves?
Nov 29, 2008 at 9:44 AM
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SARACHOPSTIX
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When the van is turned off there is not much movement in the steering wheel. it's when I am driving. While I am driving, theres about 4 or 5 inches of play, left and right - but the van stays in a straight line and doesn't veer (like if the alignment was off and it would veer to the side).

A tight grip does not make a difference. It's not like I am losing control of the van...its almost like the steering wheel wanders....

And its def. not a vibration.
Nov 29, 2008 at 12:08 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Check steering shaft coupler the u-joint may be worn causing freeplay. Also have thrust bearing preload checked and over-center preload.
If problem is bad coupler joint if it fails you may loose steering.
Nov 30, 2008 at 1:10 PM