* Severe Power Steering Fluid Leak: If the power steering pump loses all its fluid, it can lead to immediate loss of steering assist. If the leak is severe enough and involves a significant fluid loss quickly, it might contaminate brake lines or fluid reservoirs (especially if they're close together in the engine compartment), leading to brake failure. This is a strong candidate.
* Major Hydraulic System Failure: The brake system and power steering system on some vehicles share components, such as a fluid reservoir or even lines (though less common). A catastrophic failure in a shared component (a severely deteriorated hose, a major leak in the master cylinder, or a damaged pressure line) could simultaneously cripple both systems.
* Severe Accident Damage: A significant impact to the front end could damage both steering and braking components simultaneously. This is more likely if the failure occurred suddenly after an impact.
* Broken Belt: While less likely to cause *complete* failure of both, a broken serpentine belt could knock out the power steering pump (loss of steering) and, if the van has power brakes, also the brake booster (making braking extremely difficult, requiring significantly more effort). This would manifest as increasingly difficult steering and braking, rather than an immediate, complete failure.
* Electrical Failure (Less Likely): While less probable, a massive electrical failure could, *in theory*, disrupt power to the power steering pump and potentially interfere with brake system electronics (though the brake system in a '96 Safari is largely hydraulic). This is less likely, given the mechanical nature of the systems.
Crucially Important: A vehicle with simultaneous brake and steering failure is extremely dangerous and should never be driven. Have it towed to a qualified mechanic for immediate diagnosis and repair. Driving it risks a serious accident. The mechanic will need to examine the vehicle thoroughly to identify the root cause. The priority is safety.
