Random steering failure

2007 HYUNDAI ACCENT
103,000 MILES • MANUAL
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TOMMOLS
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Hello, my car HYUNDAI Accent 4D 1.5 GLS Diesel 110 H From 07-2007 Km driven 103 000 Km
I have had some issues regarding the steering wheel, as it randomly locks/disables the servo motor while driving. The steering wheel gets heavy as if the el-servo is not functioning or another system has failed. The strange thing is that it accurse randomly and can go over 1 week or so before it happens again.
I have had it repaired and they said that the road accel sensor has to be changed as it is the problem, they changed it and said the car is fine. But still the problem persist and occurs.
When I drive and the steering wheel fails it gets heavy as mentioned, but when i stop and restart the engine the steering returns back instant as if their was no issues with the car. And i have to mention that when steering fails/gets heavy the breaks get heavy too.
What can the issue be, they want allot of money to check the car, over 4-6000 dollars they want just to fix an issue that others say is a small error as wiring, I feel that the repair shop is hustling me as the part they changed for 1000 dollars was not the problem as it turned out.

Sorry for bad English, will explain if you do not understand some parts. Thanks for any answer!
Jun 30, 2011 at 5:27 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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It's called sleepy power assist. It's usually caused by a combination of contaminated power steering fluid and a power steering pump that is failing. Flush the power assist system and see if that cures it. If not, replace the pump.
Jun 30, 2011 at 9:09 PM
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TOMMOLS
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Okey, but you do know the car has got an electrical motor /power assist that helps you move the steering wheel?
I know little about cars and the name of the things, but if you know what I mean and your answer is still the same then ill get some one on it.
How can I tell if this is the case, and how much does it cost you think?
Jul 1, 2011 at 7:52 AM
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TOMMOLS
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EPS (Electronic Power Steering). I think my car has this kind of system. As when the problem accurse I have heavy steering, then i shut down engine then I restart and the steering assist returns to normal.
Why does it randomly accure like that!? Some one says its mostlikly loose wiring, is that the case here?
Jul 1, 2011 at 8:12 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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It very well could be. Or a corroded connection.
I'm not finding any reliable documentation on this vehicle, but, the way you describe the problem as being both steering and brake related, it sounds like the steering and brakes are both hydraulically-assisted and the steering also has some sort of electronic assist. I feel this way because you mention that when the steering gets difficult, brake pedal gets heavy as well. Many vehicles have combined power assist systems.
Jul 1, 2011 at 8:40 AM
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TOMMOLS
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Ok, I will have some one who has a clue with cars to look at this area. It is really costly to blindly pay 5-6000 dollars when the first time they "fixed my car" it was never fixed! :(
Jul 1, 2011 at 9:00 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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I know what you mean. Let us know what you find out.
Jul 1, 2011 at 9:17 AM
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