Expert: Skip Bollinger - 9/29/2006

Question
I have a 1993 chevy Astro Van and I have no brake lights. Turn signals and park lights are working. I've had the switch, bulbs, and fuses changed and still no brake lights. however when I press on the brakes I could hear some sort of clicking, inside of my van. And also, the problem did't occur until one day my steering whell locked up on me. So now my husband ad I have no clue to a solution.

Answer
Tamika,
  Please allow me to preface this with a statement. I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech or Mechanic. I have been pushing parts for 32 years and have catalogs that go back into the early 1900's. Having said that, lets proceed with my $.02 worth. I have seen a lot come across the counter in those 32 years. Here are my thoughts and I hope they help...
  You state you have had "the switch" changed but you didn't tell me which switch. I'm guessing the stop light switch. Please follow me here. At first it may not make sense to you but it will once I'm done.
  Do your emergency flashers work? I know this may not make sense but your brake light circuit goes through the turn signal/emergency flasher switch. Your emergency flashers, when on, will flash but once you press the brake pedal, they stop and apply the brake lights. IF your turn signal/emergency flasher switch is bad, it can cause the brake lights not to work.
  I would have suggested this anyway but your saying you had a steering wheel/column problem solidifies my thoughts.
  Again, may I say again, I'm NOT a mechanic. I'm a parts specialist but this is my $.02 worth and I hope it help. Thank you for your question and LET ME KNOW!
  Skip
  HARD TO FIND AUTO PARTS
  CarPartMan@aol.com