Added: 1 year ago
From: EricTheCarGuy
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  • I heard you hated working on astro vans. Any truth to that rumor?  You didn't mention anything.

  • this guy hates astro vans

  • Eric i have to replace freeze plugs on a 1996 chevy van,is it easy do you know

  • Thank you so much for all the help!! We replaced the power brake booster on our 97 Chevy Suburban 2500 after watching this video and all went very well. The basics are very similar, though we had LOADS of room... Sorry about that. Anyway, you are MUCH appreciated :)

  • I'm not doing this myself, but, my mechanic is and I keep getting the van back with problems. After replacing the pump (leaking), I still had stiffness in the steering when braking and turning at slow speeds, like going into a parking space or into the driveway. My mechanic then replaced my steering box. I had lots of fluid noise, so much so that he replaced it again. I still have the stiffness. He says he'll replace the box again, but, do you think it might be related to the pump instead?

  • @sfeliant Not sure but air in the system can certainly cause problems so you want to be sure you get it all out after doing a repair to the system.

  • "delicious pizza" 15:22

  • Comment removed

  • Thanks for a great video. Watching you do this realy helped me with my install. All went well. You helped me tame the beast they call Astro! She is tough to work on, but my wife loves that van and it has given us 9 good years so far. Thanks again!!!

  • @lezneugj Awesome, I'm very happy to hear my video helped you. Thanks for the comment.

  • Eric, you should really invest into some cordless tools, such as the 3/8" cordless impact wrench, I personally have a matco one, but I like snapon's version much better. They are not quite as strong as quality air tools, but it beats having to drag an air hose around everywhere and in many instances, saves you time by not having to use hand tools to take off simple nuts/bolts. Honestly, when I used to wrench for a living, my 3/8" cordless impact was one of my most used/favorite tool.

  • @Nightspank10 Yea I showed some of those in the tool show videos, at the moment they're not in the budget but thanks for the tip.

  • hahaha you are so cool Eric .. thanks for taking the time to show us this in such great video detail . thanks man you made this job that i am going to do tomorrow alot more easier. and now i understand the whole job. btw did i mention i hate Astro Vans!!!..hahaha take care brother . Craig - Seattle

  • Good luck man, thanks for your comment.

  • Thanks.. the video looks very helpful..

  • @nickmydog Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

  • I have a feeling this video exemplifies the stuff you said they don't teach you in technician school. Also, while I was watching this video I suddenly realized that vans tend to have short engine compartments despite needing a larger engine than a car. That must really bite...

  • @xylenol15 Actually they use the same engines they just have a different body configuration, they can be difficult to work on as a result of these configurations as you point out however. Thanks for the comment.

  • Great camera angles for what your doing. May be doing the same to my M1008 soon.

  • @iMatt65 Thanks, good luck with that job.

  • Hey Eric Very Good Video. Lots Of Stuff To Learn From.

    I Think You Forgot To Mention That You Hate To Work On Astro Van's

    KKKKKKK

    Great Job Keep Doing It.

  • @winston0079 Someone once told me "we all have to do things we don't want to do" once, he was right.

  • Eric when you were working from inside the van the point where the pedal meets the shaft of the hydro boost unit there was moisture... probably a fluid leak.

    Would that be reason to replace? Or is some leakage normal?

  • @jasonyoungisnumber1 It may have just been condensation, if it was a leak it would have been the color of old power steering fluid.

  • T/Y Eric 4 vid...wanted to see Astro power assist slave unit, ur vid did very well. Few comments: clean the units or the area round fluid lines prior to remove to keep *crap* out new part and lines. Think new unit was bench bled, when pedal pumped, out went fluid; air got in. If not bench bled (chk part docs) much easier to bench blead b4 instal-*don't* press pedal until installed w fluid in lines. Also, flush clean fluid in res/hoses and reinstall w threaded clamps. Bad spel cuz 2 ltl ltrs.

  • @dgraycflrrcom Thanks for the tips but I'm not sure how to bench bleed the booster before installation, I think it came filled with fluid however to at least prime it. I like the tip about cleaning the lines before removal, good idea.

  • god you crack me up eric really do fun shit !lol do you have a vid that has how to replace emgine mounts on a v6 engine rear wheel drive not front wheel!or can you do one for us here on a gm v6 buick or any v6 rear wheel!!!!hmmmm

  • @fastvpbt1 The videos I make are based on the vehicles that come into my shop so for me to fill your request the same car has to come in with the same problem, not likely in the near future, if one does come in I'll shoot the video if I have the time. Thanks for the comment.

  • hey eric me again lol that tool you got to remove the hoses cool was wondering if my missues can borrow it to use on me in the bedroom hahaha!:) for me tea pot spout

  • @fastvpbt1 That sounds painful if I'm honest but I got mine from Mac if you'd like to purchase one of your own, I'd feel kind of weird when you gave mine back to me.

  • this vid helped me alot i have to replace that on my chev diesel.

  • @wandareager Good luck and thanks for the comment.

  • I drive a Chevy Astro as a work van. My god these are awful machines.

  • @brakedd Yea, working on them is fun too, especially if they are AWD. Thanks for the comment.

  • @EricTheCarGuy We only have RWD beasts, I can't imagine shoehorning a transfer case in there.

  • @brakedd That's not the worst it's the front diff and how it limits access to everything up front, it's a van so you can't get to stuff from the top to begin with but put a diff under the engine and you have 0 access.

  • thank you for posting this video :)

  • @v8power200 Your welcome, thanks for the comment.

  • Eric I swear at around 3:30 when mentioned Astros, it reminds me of working on Explorer Sport Tracs. Had to take apart an intake manifold to get to thermostat housing and my manager said we're not replacing the Coolant Temp. Sender but it looked worn out. Sure enough, one week later, it came back (yesterday) leaking from that sender so replaced it and went smooth lol But the Sport Trac is my annoyance vehicle =)

  • @MrChaosmar Yea we all have out nemesis in the car world, mine is a Cadillac Notrhstar that needs head gaskets.

  • A teeny bit of regrease on the brake linkage, maybe? LOL

  • @midlantic1 Wouldn't hurt, would help with noise if there was any.

  • Wouldn't it have started with the pressure in the rail?

  • @midlantic1 Not sure I understand the question.

  • A rachetting box end wrench would have been sweet LOL

  • @midlantic1 It's been mentioned more than once and I agree.

  • great video. i have done a couple of these before, luckily not on any astro vans. normally on like 1 ton duallys. i don't like astro vans either. they are really a pan for anything under the hood. aren't those pliers your refering to at 2:33 spark plug boot pliers. or i seem to remember the snapon guy trying to sell them to me as such. i didn't buy them, i think they would cause damage to a spark plug wire.

    16mm and 18mm are the most common fittings on those lines. in a gm vehicle

  • @kenman1717 The pliers are actually hose pliers made by Mac and your right they would damage spark plug boots. Thanks for the comment.

  • I had an astro once. i pushed it off a cliff on purpouse. Other than that, great video! keep it up!

  • My old man has a 94 astro, Z-vin so it is the TBI one, means I got all that air cleaner junk on top of the engine as well, so when I heard you say you hate astros, I was laughing my ass of cause than van has been my nightmare for the last 6 years LOL. Great to see someone hate working astros as much as me, solid trucks, but a pain to work on, especially working from the doghouse side. BTW, I usually floor the gas pedal to make a car not start, easier than pulling fuses, at least in EFI cars.

  • @sosquaided We're not alone, you should read some of the comments below. There sure are a lot of those vans out there though. Thanks for the comment.

  • Good video, I was searching for my 97 ford e350 with 7.3 diesel, I have the same issue, hard pedal and not break at all, so I hope that you guys post something for my van as well.

    Thanks for the videos, and let me know if you have some help for me

  • @TheAMERICA0407 I may not be able to help you but the man your looking for is "powerstrokehelp", he has an excellent channel all about powerstroke diesels.

  • Another awesome video bro. I'm about to graduate my tech school, and I think I've learned more real life fixes in your videos than I have in all the theory classes in the last two years. Please keep it up.

  • @beefystik Thanks for the comment. I can honestly say that when I got out of school it was only the beginning of what I was to learn, school is a great start but the learning really begins when you start working in the field. Best of luck to you and thanks again for the comment.

  • Good Video! I wanted to get your opinion on a car that runs and drives with heat on fine, but with heat is turned off it runs hot. Where should I start? Thermostat? Fan?

  • @tchourb1 I recommend starting with bleeding the cooling system. I did a video on Diagnosing an Overheat that covers all the steps.

  • Lmfao. "This is why professionals use air tools *impact wrench* DONE!" that made me laugh so hard.

  • Why would a engine need a vacume

  • @jhacksim First there are several types of vacuum in a gasoline engines but the most commonly used vacuum is intake vacuum. Intake vacuum is produced naturally and is the reason the air fuel mixture is drawn into the combustion chamber to begin with, in short without it the engine would not run.

  • What does it do

  • HEY ERIC IT WAS THE POWERSTEERING PUMP THAT WAS WRONG WITH MY SAFARI.HYDROBOOST WAS BAD ALSO CAUSE THE CANASTER WAS COMPLETELY OFF .WELL THANX FOR EVERYTHING U WERE A BIG HELP!

  • thanx ill check it out!

  • STARTING OF I LOVE YOUR VIDS MAN!ANYWAYS THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES STILL DONT WORK .THEY ARE BOTH HARD LIKE I HAVENT INSTALLED ANYTHING.WHEN THE VAN IS AT IDLE IT SOUNDS PERFECT BUT WHEN IM DRIVING AND I STEP ON IT HAS A MISS"HESITATION"AND IT SOUNDS KIND OF CRUMMY!

  • @JohnnyDesaint You may still have air in the system, the air in this van didn't purge till I revved the engine up to almost 3K in order to get the brakes and power steering to work. In your case however if that does not work I might be looking to the lines to see if there is a restriction somewhere as it will result in the sam problem and possibly cause your performance issue. Lastly make sure you used the correct fluid, in the case of this van it had to be power steering fluid.

  • my hydroboost went out 1i replaced it last night did all the things on your vid and it still dont work!and my van now has a hesitation when driving please help me!

  • @JohnnyDesaint I'm wondering if something was left loose during the repair causing the engine to run poorly. I need more clarification on "still don't work", is the brake pedal hard? Does the power steering work?

  • I probably won't encounter hydroboost but those are some very good practices your are teaching here ! (wet the o-ring with oil, even when I used to make jet engines some guys didn't do that and then the packing would chip and the test cell would get an oil shower, then there was the screaming & yelling, not fun !!)

    I just replaced the heater fan in my lumina apv, not fun !! it's so deep in there ! and outside too argg ! at least now I can defrost the (cracked) windshield

  • @shodanxx Thanks for the comment. You know what I find funny? The fact that many will not lubricate an 'o' ring before installation but they will COVER a gasket with goop when installing it, backwards, I just don't get it.

  • @EricTheCarGuy

    I have seen friends forego the whole gasket thing and only use high temperature RTV silicone, in places like exhaust flanges and turbo oil return line o_O, I tried to explain .. but in vain

    about gaskets, when I used to work at PWC, we used dry lubricant (some called it "teflon spray" but I'm not sure that's accurate) on the thick "green paper" gaskets, so they wouldn't stick

    do you think that's a good practice ?

  • @shodanxx Given the amount of discussion on my most recent video about the care of gaskets I think I'm going to make some calls and see if I can get an expert to weigh in on this because there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the subject. As for my opinion using gasket adhesive is a much different practice than using sealant on or in place of a gasket, that is a practice I oppose unless instructed by the manufacturer to do so.

  • Proof that engineers hate mechanics. The Chevy Asstro. Good work, Eric!

  • that sucks, but i'd still rather do that job than replacing a timing belt on something.

  • @AngryGunNerd Actually the job wasn't as bad as some of the things I've had to do to these vans. I think timing belts are easy for the most part, depends on how much clearance they give you though. Thanks for your comment.

  • ERIC? Deine videos sind GEIL und ich will dein werkzeug!!!!

  • @MaZaHaKa86 Gut, dass Sie wie die Videos, aber ich würde gerne hängen an meine Werkzeuge für ein bisschen länger, wenn das ist okay.

  • Hey I have a bigger white wale. I have a 1996 Chevy G30HD 11/2 ton. I have the same problem with mine. Thanks for the tip.I just have to deal with 18 inches on snow. Cause I can't get it indoors.

  • @h1pp1e2000 The snow part doesn't sound fun but to be honest this job wasn't all that bad. Good luck and stay warm as well as dirty.

  • I thought the power steering pump would have beeen noisy after from being run dry for some time by the customer, huge job, nice vid

  • @groutaone I was surprised too but I don't think he ran it too long after he lost brakes and steering. Good to see you here groutaone I love your videos, clear and down to earth.

  • HAHAHAHAHAH ola, kamusta. this guy is straight money. You the man Eric. (No Homo). 

  • @aziv Thanks for the great comment, I'm still giggling. (no homo)

  • Hey man if you ever get the chance can you post a vid up on how to replace a power steering pressure hose, its for my integra.

  • @STY1ES911 I don't often see that issue so I probably won't be making that video anytime soon but if I get one in I'll be sure to try and make a video for you.

  • off topic but Why the engine ceases of overheating,i know but im not sure please reply

  • @COD5252 I did a video on Diagnosing an Overheat if you want to check it out for the answer to that.

  • i bet it was costly for the customer to get it repaired

    next time add surcharges like astrovan surcharge, hydroboost surcharge, ect

    to me reverse threaded bolts=fail

  • @IIGrayfoxII Labor was only 2 hours but the part was pricy. If I'm honest compared to some of the stuff I've had to do on those vans this was fairly easy. Thanks for your comment.

  • this truck doesn't look like it is designed very well

  • .

    astro vans should be illegal.

    GovernmentMotors should be deported and banned from US.

    -.-

  • Were the bolts holding the master cylinder to the hydroboost unit left hand threaded on the top portion of the threads?

  • @peektwice Yes in fact they were. Good eye.

  • @EricTheCarGuy I just realized that you stated that later in the video. I guess I shoulda watched the whole thing before posting.

  • wow much props to you...... I got aggravated just by looking at you doing the job

  • @malecco1 To be honest I've done worse on these, the plugs are a lot more fun.

  • ratcheting wrenches for xmas

  • @jsanchez430 That would be awesome but I think I want Black Ops instead.

  • Heavy breathing I love it.

  • @grawey77 It was all for you big boy.

  • So Eric, do you like working on Astrovans?

  • @DriftingFWWA Your funny. There are worse things like not getting paid I suppose.

  • So glad you posted this vid. I have to change my clutch master cylinder on my car and its gonna be my first time doing that. Really helped with the camera under the dash cause I know i'll have to disconnect it from the clutch pedal. Really appreciate your hard work Eric. Keep it up.

  • @ShiroMirage413 I shot a clutch master and slave video yesterday, I'm not sure how the footage turned out though as I was up under the dash again. I'm glad you liked this video, thanks for the comment.

  • You would hate astro vans a whole lot more if you lived in Nova Scotia !!!!!!

  • @TheScottturner Do they have an especially annoying trim level only sold there?

  • @EricTheCarGuy I have only seen the RWD version around here

  • I like the bungy cord trick, what kind of pizza was that Eric?

  • @CanadianCharlie64 Local bar makes it, $5! Best lunch deal i the neighborhood I can't even eat it all.

  • Wow that reminds me of when thay had to work on my old company astro or as the mechanics said asshole van . They told me it was a beast to work on it . I had one

    back when I worked for NCR and then became disabled when some plowed into me at 55mph . Nice to see you fix it .

  • @ncrdisabled I've heard them referred to as that myself. Sucks about your accident, sorry to hear about that.

  • Looks like you could use some flex head ratcheting wrenches. My favorite set is my Matco extra long zero degree set Matco part # SRFBZXLM102T. For normal length wrenches, I recommend the GearWrench 9901 set.

  • @fastveedub I'll look into that because I was thinking the same thing as I was doing this job.

  • A DIESEL MAKES NO VACUUM AT ALL

  • One big huge thing to never ever forget is to not complain when someone is willing to pay you for a job. I have stopped complaining about the exams I take in school because I am able to get an education. Both work and an education are things that a lot of people have a hard time getting and some never get.

  • @7thrx I'm not complaining, I'm confronting adversity with style. :)

  • @EricTheCarGuy I'm cool with it if that's the case then.

  • This was really good Eric .well done! ^^

  • @carnivore10 Thank you!

  • I'm with you Eric. I likes to work on Toyotas and Hondas. I hated when i have to work with other brands ford, chevy , vw. etc. when I do recon works.

  • @h23sirlude I will admit that I'm not as familiar with domestics but I'd like to get to know them better, I got kinda board working on Honda's all the time.

  • I like how you are not cussing... LOL Good job Eric.

  • @cooljestin1 I like to keep my composure even in the face of adversity if I can help it.

  • I can tell you had a lot less fun making this video than others. Who's to blame? Astrovans.

  • @Ryskimus Well it's been very well received so I'm happy for that. I love making these videos even if some present more of a challenge than others.

  • Good job Eric. I learned something new like u. Very good video. I know you feel good after u replaced Hydroboost Unit. Would you please make a video how to replace steering rack & pinion step by step? because my acura has leak and i don't know how to do it. t.y.

  • @lakayyak I make videos based on what comes into the shop, the next time I get a rack in I'll do my best to make a video for you. Thanks for the comment.

  • To the other viewers that are wondering, Hola como estas = Hello, how's it going. Used to live in LA for almost 5 years lol.

  • @Michiganborn1969 Gracias.

  • mmmm wetness..... oh sorry spaced out there.great vid

  • @robby844 My viewers are messed up, I love it.

  • @EricTheCarGuy haha hey you said it not me :P love your vids man keep em coming....no im not gonna go there...

  • that is a acumulator it gives you 1-3 assisted brake applies if you lose flow from pump. this system is only used on light duty rigs. i belive all commercial vehicles (26001 gvw and over) with juice brakes use a hydromax system which has a electric motor to supply flow and give power assisted brakes if you lose flow for whatever reason. i hate workvans as well. e-series diesels are no fun. great vid always a pleasure watching your videos

  • @swmfers Thanks very much for the information, you taught me something today cool.

  • @EricTheCarGuy i learn much from watching your videos havent really had much experience with japanese cars. i have worked at ford truck centers and international dealerships. just started working for a ford dealership doing automotive work and its quite a bit different from the diesel world.

  • Hola como estas...!? saludos  y felicitaciones por tu canal esta poca madre..!!

  • @moster2108 ¡Gracias! Aprecio que ver

  • Unrelated question, what brand gloves do you use? Ive tried many diff brands and they all seem to rip quite easy, Unless your constantly changing off camera, yours look quite durable. Great video.

  • @HD8Track I've been using Diamond Grip for years, I'm also kind of cheep so I try very hard not to tear them if I can help it.

  • Hi Eric, kamusta? nice video

  • Comment removed

  • Underneath a dash, fighting a c-clip, in the cold, AND holding a camera. You are the man Eric!

  • @ncarter124 It's all for you baby. Thanks for the comment.

  • Excellent video! You always do a great job of filming and explaining as you go along. This vid also reminded me why I'll never buy another van.

  • @RamblinAround They are nice to have but a pain to work on sometimes.

  • After a 2nd view of the video I noticed a bunch of wires that were both scotch locked and black electric tape. Makes me wonder how well the owner of this Chevy A**holevan takes care of it.

  • @Michiganborn1969 I'm sure it wasn't the owner that did that but some aftermarket chop shop, scotch lock is the hallmark of that.

  • @crombieposterboy Especially if it's 4WD.

  • @MrYussel Yep, sure do.

  • Have you tried wrapping a piece of electrical tape around the joint on the flex socket.  This will give you a little more control on the socket when the flex socket gets worn.

  • @MrGW24 The only reason I did it that way was to show the use of hand tools, if I were going to do it I would have just used my impact and been done for all 4 fasteners. You make a great suggestion though, thanks for your input.

  • @EricTheCarGuy Put a o ring on worn out flex socket's! work's great! TRY IT

  • @MrGW24 ele tape is to sticky for me...............I just put an o ring on them and it works like a charm! TRY IT

  • love your videos one thing i haye a astro 99 my service awd light is on what could it be i had the trans rebuilded and i still have the light

  • @BOOTYART I honestly don't know what that could be but I like working on the AWD Astro Van even less than then 2WD version. The transmission is separate from the AWD, I know that much.

  • need more astro videos ..also is the pcv valve on that van

  • @BOOTYART You just want to hurt me. Probably not a bad idea as there are a couple of these out there.

  • Great video Eric! I know Astros suck to work on, but us Astro owners are thanking you for it. More Astro repairs! lol

    Oh, and thumbs up for a group buy to get Eric a replacement work shirt.

  • @mazzmari Thanks for the comment but I just got this shirt. It's not a real shirt till it has car juices on it anyway.

  • eric who do you deal with for parts ?? and who do you think has better quality parts??

  • @luckycraftsammy Sounds like a future video. I have some very good friends at a parts store just blocks away from the shop at KOI.

  • @EricTheCarGuy that sounds like a great video take us to the parts store and plug my name that would be awesome thanks eric

  • Another Great Video! Thanks Buddy!

  • ETCG ANGRY !!!!!! ........ ( tunrs green with purple pant's, swings big hammer! ). " Did i mention i hate working ! on F#$KING astro vans !. "This is why pro's use air tools !, (zap) DONE! :D . HYDRO BOOST FAIL! lol. It puts the pan under the car, OR IT GETS THE HOSE !. Loved this vid, and dont worry, i hate working on astro vans too

  • @IrnMaiden304 This is by far the most entertaining comment I've read in a while, still laughing...

  • Hydroboost FAIL! Lol

    This video contains many things that I don't like when working on cars; tight/awkward spaces, left hand threads, design that makes you say "really?", etc.

  • @jesinu Don't fault the engineers, they are sometimes given almost impossible mandates.

  • thanks Eric your videos are great!