This 2008 Toyota Sienna van came to our shop with a broken front suspension spring. The owner described the vehicle as leaning on the left front corner and making noise in the driver's side front wheel area when the van was turned or going over a bump in the road.
In This Article
Diagnosis
Repair
Cost
Cause
Tips
Recommended Shop
Reviews
Diagnosis
Our Toyota technician test-drove the van and confirmed the customer-reported noises. They also observed that the left front corner was noticeably lower than the right side.
The vehicle was lifted on a hoist, the front wheels were removed, and the front suspension was visually inspected. The technician found a broken left front suspension spring. The right side strut was showing signs of a leaking strut shock absorber.
Although the vehicle had less than 100,000 miles on the odometer, we strongly recommended replacing struts and springs in axle pairs. Springs sag with age, and replacing only one would raise that corner. Struts also have a serious impact on vehicle handling. Struts should be replaced as a pair to balance the steering and handling on both sides.
We recommended using non-original replacement strut and spring assemblies to save the customer money. These units come pre-assembled, saving labor costs to assemble the new springs on the new struts before installation.
Repair
Our Toyota technician removed and replaced both front strut assemblies. The wheels were reinstalled, wheel nuts torqued to factory specification, and a wheel alignment was performed.
The technician drove the vehicle to verify the problem was solved and confirmed that the van drove straight with no abnormal noise.
Cost
A national auto repair price guide lists the cost of replacing both front struts for a 2008 Toyota Sienna as $650 to $895, depending on the type and quality of the replacement parts and the repair shop's location, and wheel alignment costs range from $135 to $172. The total listed price does not include any additional parts required, disposal fees, or taxes. Rusted vehicles will also increase the total cost.
Using original Toyota parts would have been significantly more expensive, so we suggested using aftermarket replacement parts for a vehicle of this age.
The cost of this job, including diagnosis, replacement of both struts, springs, sway bar links, and wheel alignment, including adjustments, was $1,050 before taxes (2023).
Cause
Broken springs are rare in passenger vehicles. Springs on passenger vehicles usually don't get overloaded or driven on rough roads. Broken springs are more common on old, high-mileage vehicles or on vehicles that are driven on rough roads with large potholes. With a relatively low-mileage vehicle like this, the broken spring is most likely just a defect in the spring. Unfortunately, the manufacturer's warranty on this vehicle expired long ago.
Tips
Strange noises should always be investigated. A broken suspension spring is rare but can cause steering and vehicle handling problems. A quick inspection will usually find suspension problems.
Whenever steering or suspension components are replaced or removed during repairs, the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted where necessary.


Recommended Toyota Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Hoover Street Auto Service for all your Toyota service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our Toyota technicians have the skill and experience to correctly diagnose and repair your Toyota Sienna problems. We are Toyota service specialists.
You can trust your Toyota service to Hoover Street Auto Service. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Abbott Street Auto Service also serves the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Saline, MI; and Dexter, MI.