clunk / clack at front drivers side. sounds like front strut but nothing loose. getting worse over long period of time.
any ideas?

I'm guessing bad shocks/struts. Have a mechanic look at it and see if one or more of your shocks are leaking. How many miles do you have on your current shocks?

280,000km / 175,000miles.
no apparent leaking of shocks.

So you're saying that you have 175K on your original shocks?!?! Those things should have been changed out at least 85K miles ago. Maybe some of the suspension bushings have worn out as well. Did your mechanic take a look at those?

i would take vehicle to front end shop. they will check suspension with weight off wheel, when you take weight off wheel then the strut may be loose, but you cannot tell that in driveway.

could be a serious problem, worth a few dollars to get it checked out with 175K miles.

I have a 2002 (135000 miles) with a rattle front drivers side when hitting a bump. I replaced both struts. the rattle is gone but there is something else not right there. Cant place my finger on it thought. I am thinking about the lower control arm bushings?? I find the items on line but nothing else as to the symptoms of these failing or how hard it is to replace them.

It could also be a CV joint going bad, especially if it makes the clicking noise while turning.

I have a front clunking on my van.

However, it only happens when you hit the brakes real hard.....or you take off too fast....

They say it is worn out left and right lowere control arms..... and the cost to replace is $1200.

Can anyone help me with this.......is there a way to do it cheaper?

am told it is the rubber bushings on the front sway (stabilizer) bar.
parts are only $18 from toyota. will give it a try

I just had my 2000 Sienna in for the same kind of noises and was told that one of my control arms needs replacement. My van currently has 109,000 miles which is the most miles I have ever had on a vehicle. I've been told that I should have the repair done but that it is not a safety issue. The cost to do both arms with an alignment is about $1,100; not anxious to spend this at the moment with one in college and another one to start next year!