suspension CHEVROLET ASTRO 1998 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine /1 CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR.
If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control.
Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings.
Ask
your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
NOTICE:
~
Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
-- they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If
you have to stop or turn quickly,
or
if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
A CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
0 Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
0 Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
Try to spread the weight evenly.
inside the vehicle
so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.
Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
0 Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the Certificatiooire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the weight of the
people inside as part
of your load. If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember
to subtract the weight of these things
from
the payload. Your dealer can help you with this.
4-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing From the Front
(Except
All-Wheel Drive)
Tow Limits -- 35 mph (56 kdh), 50 miles (80 km)
I
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the
front bumper system will be damaged. Use
wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional
ramping may be required for car-carrier
equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage
a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment. To help avoid damage, install a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using car-carrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots.
5-9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing From the Front (All-Wheel Drive)
A towing dolly must be used under the rear wheels when
towing
from the front.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the
front bumper system will be damaged. Use
wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional
ramping may be required for car-carrier
equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment.
To help avoid damage, install a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between the
ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks
to
suspension components when using car-carrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots.
5-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services’’ and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Envlronmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will
not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage and transfer case shift linkage,
parking brake cable guides, and brake pedal springs.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of this schedule.
** Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
0
0
0
Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed. If driving
in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km).
Standard Differential
-- Check fluid level and add
fluid as needed at every oil change. If driving in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km).
More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty use.
7-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Long TripMighway Maintenance Schedule
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after
150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will
not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at
the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
## Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and
kingpin bushings, steering linkage and transfer case
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, and brake
pedal springs.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections”
in Part C of this schedule.
#’* Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
0 Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine
oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid
level and add fluid as needed.
fluid as needed at every engine oil change.
0 Standard Differential -- Check fluid level and add
7-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall).
You sh,ould let your dealer’s service
department
or other qualified service center do these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed
nt once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications’’ in
the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and
then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts
as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause
a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen
or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
7-45

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1998 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of y\
our vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with
your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 CHEVROLET
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated P.0. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders
Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-32
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads
......................... 4-21
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-32
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-7
Prop
....................................... 6-10
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-30
Hydroplaning
................................ 4- I6
Ignition Positions .............................. 2- 16
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
................. 7-44
Inflation, Tire
.................................. 6-43
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-40
Inspections .................................... 7-45
Brakesystem
................................ 7-46
DriveAxle
.................................. 7-46
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7-45
Radiator and Heater Hose
...................... 7-45
Steering
.................................... 7-45
Suspension
.................................. 7-45
Throttle System
.............................. 7-46
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive)
................ 7-46
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-54
Brightness Control
............................ 2-37
Cleaning
.................................... 6-53
Cluster
..................................... 2-56
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-61
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-38
Jack, Tire
............... ............... 5-24
Jump Starting
................................... 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-42
Keyless Entry System
............................ 2-7
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels CertificationiTire
............................. 4-26
Service Parts Identification
..................... 6-59
Tire-Loading Information
....................... 4-26
Vehicle Identification Number
................... 6-59
Dome
...................................... 2-39
Exterior
.................................... 2-37
Interior
..................................... 2-38
OnReminder
................................ 2-37
Latches. Seatback
................................ 1-5
Leaving Your Vehicle
............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle
with the Engine Running ....... 2-25
Lighter
....................................... 2-48
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-27. 2-58
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
............ 2-61. 4-7
Brake System Warning
......................... 2-60
Charging System
............................. 2-59
CheckGages
................................ 2-66
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator
............... 2-66
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1 - 13. 2-58
Security
.................................... 2-65
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-62
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-26
Locks Cylinders
................................... 7-42
Door
........................................ 2-6
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
............... 7-44
Lamps
9-5