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1998 Astro
10 1998 Product Information Guide
GM Mobility Program
Chevrolet recognizes the
importance of mobility to
everyone’s life and, therefore,
offers financial assistance to
persons with disabilities
through the General Motors
Mobility Program. This
program can provide financial
assistance — as much as
$1,000 — toward the cost of
any aftermarket adaptive
equipment for drivers or
passengers and/or vehicle
“alerting devices” for deaf and
hearing-impaired drivers. A
special feature of the program
is single-transaction GMAC
financing for the vehicle and
its adaptive aids. Further
details are available by
calling the GM Mobility
Assistance Center at
1-800-323-9935. The hearing
impaired can contact the
Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-TDD-CHEV.
Sarah Will Woman’s
Sport Foundation
As a further promotion of
the General Motors Mobility
Program, Astro is a proud
sponsor of the Sarah Will
Woman’s Sport Foundation, a
group dedicated to providing
competitive athletic challenges
to physically handicapped.
Sarah Will is a skier and a
member of the Barrier Breakers.
Adaptively equipped Astro
models are used for
transportation to different
athletic events.
SUSPENSION
Front
In keeping with its versatile nature, Astro
offers different suspensions tailored to specific
customer needs.
• The torsion bars on All-Wheel-Drive
models use micro-alloyed spring steel that
eliminates torsion bar adapter tubes —
providing low mass and contributing to
overall fuel economy.
• A fluid drain plug on the differential
carrier makes service easy.
• All-Wheel-Drive models feature upper and
lower control arms, a stabilizer bar and
torsion bars. The torsion bars are
computer-selected to optimize ride and
handling.
• Rear-wheel-drive models feature an
independent front suspension with upper
and lower control arms, a stabilizer bar
and computer-selected, friction-free coil
springs.
• Specially tuned 32mm deflected disc
shock absorbers are standard on RWD
and AWD models.
Rear
• Rear axle shafts are hardened for fatigue
resistance and durability.
• Variable-rate, steel multi-leaf rear
springs provide a smooth ride and
minimize jounce.
All-Wheel-Drive models are available with
two axle ratios:
• 3.42:1 for mid-range towing needs
• 3.73:1 for maximum torque and towing
capability.
Three axle ratios are available for rear-
wheel-drive Astro models:
• 3.23:1 for maximum fuel economy
• 3.42:1 for mid-range towing needs
• 3.73:1 for maximum torque and towing
capability.
STEERING
Astro features standard Electronic
Variable Orifice (EVO) steering. EVO is an
electronically controlled power steering
system that improves steering ease at lower
vehicle speeds (e.g., parking). At higher
vehicle speeds, steering effort reverts to
normal levels for better on-center feel.
BRAKES
Power front disc/rear drum brakes are
standard on Astro.
• Large (11.5-inch diameter AWD; 11.8-inch
RWD) ventilated front rotors provide
excellent brake cooling.
• Audible pad-wear sensors alert the driver
when brake pad maintenance is needed.
GM’s award-winning ABS VI anti-lock
brake system is standard equipment. Some
things to keep in mind about anti-
lock brakes:
– ABS helps maintain steering control
during severe braking situations and
minimizes wheel lockup on most
slippery surfaces. All the driver has to do
is firmly hold the brake pedal down
and steer.
– ABS can adjust brake pressure by
modulating the brakes several times
per second, at a rate even the most
skilled drivers can’t duplicate.
– The system automatically adjusts the
brake-line pressure at the wheels. Drivers
should not “pump” the brakes in
emergency braking situations. Rather,
they should maintain constant pressure
on the brake pedal, allowing the system
to work effectively.