Electric-powered steering wheel

[sheenobi]

The steering wheel on the xD is powered by electric, eliminating the power-steering fluid. Exactly where is the power source coming from to the steering wheel?

And if something should go wrong with the steering wheel, like no electricity feeding to the steering wheel, will it lock-up, or have some restraint like applying 'elbow grease' to control the steering wheel?

[HATEnFATE]

Well let me help you with this because you sound a little confused and concerned.

The xD (and xB and prius and highlander and many others) have an electronic steering column. There is an electric motor that's part of your steering column that provides the assist you get when you're turning the wheel. This motor is used instead of using a belt driven pump and fluid power a hydraulic power steering rack.

The electric system that your vehicle uses removes the need for extra horsepower robbing componants like the power steering pump and remove all the unnecessary hoses and the possibilty for fluid leaks from such a system.

There is, just like on a standard hydraulic system, a shaft that physically connects the steering wheel to the rack and in the case of your xD, it is a manual steering rack so if your power steering should fail, it would act like my old swift GT that didn't come with power steering. It would be harder to turn but not so hard it would be dangerous.

I hope that helps to settle your concerns about the steering system.

[BeachbumXD]

Worse case scenario, it over heats and dies. You then have a manual steering rack....you can damned near pick one of these things up and turn it around by your self. Shouldn't be a big deal to handle.

[hswaters]

The little steering motor appears to be under the dashboard behind the instrument panel. I am surprised that power steering is included on such a light car anyway.

[BLUEMEANIE]

Not having PS isn't a big deal. I've had several cars that didn't come with it. If it ever goes out while you're moving, you probably wont notice it. When you're at a stop, like when you're parallel parking and turning the wheel lock to lock it might take two hands. The trick is to keep rolling even if its just a tiny bit.