My friend also has a 2000 SSEi, about 78k miles and occasionally it suddenly takes a lot more effort to turn the wheel...as if it suddenly switches to manual turning. Belt is in good shape, there is no noise that goes along with the problem, and fluid level is good. It mostly happens at very slow speed turns, like turning into a driveway, but occasionally at somewhat higher speeds, like rounding a corner.

Anyone experience this? Ideas as to whether it'* the pump, magnasteer, or rack? It doesn't "catch" like I've experienced with rack problems on older cars.