When i turn or when im driving my steering feels different like its heavy. there s also a drip from one of the hoses. the steering isnt real hard to move but when i go to turn its alittle stiff

CHECK UNDER HOOD AT YOUR POWER STEERIND RESERVOIR,IF EMPTY,THEN YOU HAVE A LEAK.CHECK YOUR HOSES.

check all linkage arms under car. make sure all rubberr seals are there and armsare connected

If you mean steering properly I can only speculate what your Stratus is doing.Steering related if it does not have power assist and turns hard sitting still try revving the motor slightly while turning the steering wheel if it feels like it turns easier then you may have a pump issue if it isn't easier then you still may have a pump or gear issue.If when driving it wanders you may have a suspension or steering component wear issue the same if it feels like it's binding while turning.These were common for outer tie rod ends wearing first as miles accumulate.

Hi Sherman

You have to do this test to find out why the steering is heavy.
after you check the steering fluid level and top it up if needed.
start the engine let it IDLE try to turn steering and feel how hard or soft is.
Now rev the engine up to 2500 rpm and keep holding the rev. test the steering while you still holdind the rev.
if you feel no difference, the problem is the steering rack it self.
if the steering get softer while you rev up, the problem is the power steering pump.
Good Luck

Have you checked the power steering belt and the fluid level in the power steering reservoir? The belt may be slipping or the hard turn may have caused a leak in one of the hoses that power the unit.

if you feel the pulsation in brake pedal when stopping. its a warped brake rotor thats causing it. for bad cv joint symtoms--- Unusual noises when making turns. As you are driving on the road and you make a turn at the corner, if you start hearing unusual sounds coming from under the car then this is one of the symptoms of a bad CV joint. These noises will sound like something is clicking beneath the car every time you turn the steering wheel. Evidence of a damaged boot. Steering wheel feels heavier. The steering wheel will start to feel tighter and heavier and you can hardly make simple turns to the left or right. In severe cases you might even feel heavy vibrations like you are driving down a rocky road.

Hi,
Both your Van and your Lexus have power assist steering. So the "feel"
will be somewhat different. How quickly and easily the "Assist" helps varies. The Lexus is an Luxury car.It is designed to make steering easier.
Less effort needed by you turning the wheel to turn the car. So you were right in your diagnosis. The Van will have a heavier feel.
Enjoy the ride.

If your power steering isn't working, it may be a few different things...Some more severe than others. Check to see if there is any fluid left in the pump resevoir. If not, put fluid in it and start the engine. Next, find where the fluid is dripping. It could be something as simple as a leaky hydraulic line or it could mean having to replace the power steering pump and/or the rack and pinion unit.

I hope this helps to guide you in the right direction! Let me know if I can be of further assistance. :)

Camber and caster settings are off. Have 4 wheel alignment done by a good shop and save your nice tires. Out of alignment will make steering feel heavy and wear tires fast!

If someone has adjusted the adjustment at the top of the steering box too tight you will have that type of feel in the steering.