Driving Test

The only simple test I can think of is "Can I turn the steering wheel without gargantuan effort?".

Yep, I reckon that's one of those questions where the answer they're looking for is obvious you fail to even mention it.

Put pressure on the wheel by turning it when the vehicle is off. Then turn the ignition is on, and try it again. Know the difference.

--Nick.

They actually ask that??!

They must think people are stupid, saying that I'm not sure if everyone would actually notice if their power steering wasnt working..

I hate the nanny state society!!!

If she'd asked me how to change the head gasket I could have told

wind up.

There's no play in the connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, it isn't really heavy, and it self centres (even when parked!).

When it isn't working, there is a few degrees play, it stays where it is and it's jolly heavy.

yours unhelpfully, clive

(now name that system...)

WTF do you drive?????

power

and the

parked!).

ISTR an old, 80's?, model Citroen that had that feature. Provided the engine was running, it self centred while stationary. Mike.

Close enough. DIRAVI is the name of the system, mine was on a CX.

In normal operation, there's no direct mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and the steering rack - it's all done with hydraulics. Obviously it is fail safe - there's a normal rack and pinion in there, it's just ignored most of the time.

Originally seen on the SM, also later on some XMs and DSs had something similar as far as I can make out.

cheers, clive