On the clunk from the passenger side suspension

[SiennaDriver]

There's been a rattling clunk for awhile from the front right on our 2000 Sienna. Seems to be a common issue.

After some awful grease monkey repairs, I've been happy taking it to the dealer for repairs I can't do, and they've been pricey but have done things well. Until now; but I think they've been trying in good faith.

To address the problem, the dealership replaced the lower control arm which they determined had a bad bushing. They were probably right in doing that, but it did not fix the rattling clunk. They then replaced the sway bar bushings to address the clunk sound, and that also did not fix the problem. The dealership now wants to replace both struts to fix the problem. At this point, I'd be just as happy replacing only what's broken, and of course they won't do that.

What typically breaks on the front passenger strut that allows it to rattle and clunk, and can it be fixed without replacing both struts?

[Gunruh]

Have you had them look at the bearings that are on top of the struts?

[SiennaDriver]

Nope. The only assessment from the dealership was to entirely replace both strut systems; something I'd rather not do at this point.

They've assured me that it's not a safety issue. Just something that's making noise.

[Cranky-Condor]

I had the exact same thing on my 2000 Sienna with 130,000 miles.... Even after replacing the struts, strut bearings and the strut tops... Found out the lower control arms bushings were shot so changed them on both sides (ebay $75 each for new lower control arm with both bushings and the ball joint) and still had a small clunk which ended up being the anti-sway bar connecting rods (sway bar to strut) which I changed out. Now it is really stiff and makes no noise at all!! even on our crappy pot hole filled Pittsburgh roads. Basically I replace the entire front suspension except the springs and the sway bar. You don't need any special tools.

btw.... the struts are the worst since you have to take the tray covering the windshield wipers off to get to the top nuts....

[SiennaDriver]

Are you saying the sway bar was hitting the strut?

[Cranky-Condor]

No... the ball joints on the swaybar connecting rod my be shot... Easy to check.. Jack it up and take the tire off... push the end of the swaybar down with your hand and if the ball joints click or pop... replace it... I paid $60 each from Advance because I was in a hurry but you can get them online for $20+...