Astro steering problem

[ANTHONYTRKR]

I have purchased a 01 Astro used with 42000 miles from our GMC dealer. The sales man insured that any problems with the van would be covered by the dealer warrenty. At speed limits of roads used for test drive no major problems where found execpt the power steering pump made a whining noise. I drive interstate highways at 65-75 mph. every day and the van is hard to control. On cold start up at 20 deg. I lose power steering. When changing oil with the front of the van on jack stands I had my son turn a tire left and right and I have alot of play in the steering gear. The GMC dealer states that he contacted a service adviser in Detroit and no repair is available as this is normal for this mod. of van. My question is this normal, and if not how do I get this Dealer to make this right with me.

[GM-Tech]

Losing power assist at 20 degrees is not normal. Perhaps it'd be a little bit stiffer than warmed up, but not much. There's a cold weather P.S. fluid that's available that can help, but the P.S. shouldn't really be affected that much unless it's below zero.

 

As for the play... some play exists. There are specific steps to measure the play in the various linkage components. Grabbing the wheel/tire while the front end is off the ground and shaking it is not one of them; however that could reveal some really loose parts.