03-06 Honda Element Bilstein Front Strut Installation

In this video we install a set of 02-06 Honda CRV Bilstein struts into our 2003 Honda Element. There are many write ups on the forums that talk about doing this, but I had issue finding a video or definitive answers on what parts needed to be swapped to make these Bilstein struts work on an Element. We had previously installed CRV Bilsteins on the rear of this Element with the Swift Spring upgrade as we use this E to haul lots of parts and we do take it into the back country in the Maine Wilderness on the Appalachian Trail. The rear struts really changed the ride characteristics of the car, and it went from bouncing on every shift, to feeling very firm but smooth. That is how I would describe the right now. Firm, but smooth. You will have to use tie rod ends for the 02-06 CRV as well as modifying the Element bump stop to be used. In the video I also install new top hats and bearings (plastic bushings that sit under the top hat).
Feel free to reach out if you have questions. If your struts are blown like these were then the Bilstein struts could raise the front end as much as 1/2" after they have settled. The rear struts with Swift Springs can add 2" or so of lift, so we may go back and add some leveling blocks to the front of our Element to level it out. Back end is high right now compared to the front. We do plan to do a follow up video once everything is aligned and leveled.
Part Numbers:
Front and rear struts are B6 4600 valved monotube Bilsteins
Front Left Strut: BILSTEIN 35107460
Front Right Strut: BILSTEIN 35107477
Rear Struts: BILSTEIN 24107488
Outer Tie Rod Ends: TRW JTE7514
Links:
Front Left Strut:
www.amazon.com/dp/B004WO1CSO?...
Front Right Strut:
www.amazon.com/dp/B004WO1DAG?...
Rear Struts:
www.amazon.com/Bilstein-24-10...
Tie Rod Ends:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9YZSLY?...

[@charlesparker752]

Thanks much.

[@broccolihart1]

Very detailed tutorial. I feel like I can do this on my own, maybe with guidance but I could actually save some money

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

Saved for the fall when I tackle my front end. Thanks for the example.

[@classicautomotivenc]

Fantastic! Feel free to reach out if you have questions then.

[@twolittlebroncos]

Excellent video. Thank you. Any updates? Rides good? Aligned ok?

[@classicautomotivenc]

Updates to come. Alignment went great. I’ve got a bit more to do under the front then I’ll do an update video. Did 800 miles on them this weekend along the Appalachian Trail from NC to Georgia and back up to Tennessee/NC. Rode like a dream.

[@beeezyfresh]

Very informative video. Do you have the part number for these front struts?

[@beeezyfresh]

Disregard, I see you posted all the part numbers 👏🏾🙏🏾

[@classicautomotivenc]

Yes. All in the description of the video

[@danjunior1206]

Awesome job man! How many miles did you have on your springs before reusing them?

[@classicautomotivenc]

The springs had 205k on them. I did this to be able to measure how much the strut themselves would bring the front end up with stock springs. That answer is a 1/2” with Bilsteins. I have new EX springs that will go on it in the next few weeks to then measure again. I will have that info when I do the follow up video.

[@onebd4dr]

I want to do this to my Element, but I had a few questions. 1. Did you check under the blue boot to see if there is a bump stop under it, maybe negating the custom bump stop? 2. I want to retain or actually lower my element and was wondering do I use CRV or Element lowering springs? 3. I was also install camber bolts just to be safe, not a question just an idea.

[@classicautomotivenc]

1. I should have shown in the video that I did look under the blue boot and the “normal” white bumpstop that Bilsteins usually have was not there. Because of that uncertainty I felt it was better to be safe than sorry and have no actual bumpstop. The cut bumpstop could possibly be negated, I just didn’t want to chance it. 2. You would still use Element springs to lower with. Have you found any lowering springs for one? 3. If you are lowering it you would definitely want to find offset bolts to give you camber adjustment.

[@onebd4dr]

@Sgtpeppr65 There are lots of different spring manufacturers, was probably going with H&R.

[@user-og9ms6wy4u]

Cv axle geometry stay the same? I have sc axles (shorter) on a regular element. Afraid if it lifts the car the axle will be in a worse angle and bind up

[@classicautomotivenc]

This is a very good point. On the fronts with the 1” lift spacer it did not adversely affect the axle geometry at all. No wobbles or vibrations from the install. Very good question. I do not think you will have any issues even with an SC axle

[@jeffwest5551]

Are these not made for an element? Seems like a pain to have to mess with modifying the bump stops and changing to different tie rod ends. What made you choose this particular brand, and is the ride any better?

[@classicautomotivenc]

They are actually made for a CRV and are not available for an Element. I chose them because the ride quality is basically the best you can get. Makes an Element super smooth over pavement and very capable off road. Won’t make it a true off road vehicle but Bilstein is known worldwide for building the best shocks you can buy off the shelf. Anything better would be purpose built and many thousands of dollars.

[@jeffwest5551]

@@classicautomotivenc I'll have to remember that. Did you say these will work with lowering springs?

[@classicautomotivenc]

@@jeffwest5551 they should, as long as the springs were quality.

[@charlesparker752]

Hello, I’ve purchased a 2004 Element (188k miles), seller said they were told the driver’s side axle was on its way out. I’m trying to find a replacement axle, but the aftermarket ones don’t have the damper on them, and I’m not finding OEM offered. Do you know if someone offers a rebuild kit for this axle joints? Thank you for any direction on this (I’m located in Oregon).

[@classicautomotivenc]

I can get new axles from Honda but they arent cheap. Let me know if you’d like us to get you a quote plus shipping.

[@classicautomotivenc]

Another option is going to the salvage yard and getting a good used OEM axle.

[@charlesparker752]

@@classicautomotivenc If you have the time that would be great, at least I’ll know what to expect if it actually turns out I need them. So far, it’s taken me just over 4 weeks, just to strip out and deep clean the interior (minus the headliner and 25% behind the dash). Today, I started reinstalling the interior, should be done with that part and ready to start going through the suspension and maintenance. Then I’ll have my list. Thanks again for your videos. 😎

[@classicautomotivenc]

@@charlesparker752 ask for a 2010 Element SC at your local Honda dealer. It is the same axle even though they have it listed as being different.

[@Trailblazerz710]

I have a 2009 Honda element EX I plan on doing a suspension refresh I was curious if I was to try to do the billings for my vehicle. Would I need to do the CRV from 09 along with the tie rod from the same year?

[@classicautomotivenc]

I’ll have to do some reading but I think the 07-11’s have counter wound springs up front. Meaning they are left and right and Bilsteins do not account for that. So you would need 03-06 front springs and top hat isolators, and the corresponding 02-06 CRV Bilstein struts, and 02-06 CRV tie rod ends. Again, I need to read, the counterwound thing may only apply to the SC but I’m not sure. Either way, what I suggested will work.

[@Trailblazerz710]

@@classicautomotivenc thanks for your info. If you do have any more info that would be amazing. I’m having that quintessential riding like a skateboard feel. The previous on put some cheap replacement suspension on there that I’m hundred percent positive is blown so I want all the stuff I would need. I also like the idea of having the little bit of lift as I previously 05 with a 2 inch lift.

[@Trailblazerz710]

@@classicautomotivenc I also have all the rear bushings other than the differential one sitting in my room. I never got to put them on my other car. I’m gonna get all the front stuff once I get an idea of what I need to do the Bill Steen stuff I’m gonna pull the trigger and do it all.

[@classicautomotivenc]

@@Trailblazerz710 find me on Instagram or FB at Classicautomotivenc I'll hook you up with the info that you need.

[@hectormora60]

Will this work for the SC Element???

[@classicautomotivenc]

It will but you must use older 03-06 springs and top hats as the SC’s have counterwound springs so one of them will not seat properly into the strut. Changing springs will slightly raise the SC as well.

[@JohnGopwani]

You said that this setup raises the Element, but I'd like to lower mine. I've ran Bilstein on other cars many years ago, and they felt great. I'd like to run them on my 03 Element, but with lowering springs. What I'm worried about, is that since this setup raises the Element, it'll cancel out the lowering effect of the drop springs by quite a margin. Would you have any input on this?

[@classicautomotivenc]

On the front it would have zero effect and lowering springs would work. In the rear, the lower spring perch is raised on the shock body, so they would need more drop to even out with the front. Might be better off with BC Racing coilovers for the Element. They are meant for lowering them and ride pretty well. I have a few friends running them on their lowered Elements and they like them.

[@jeffwest5551]

I've heard that the lowering springs ride better than coilovers by someone who's had both.

[@classicautomotivenc]

@@jeffwest5551 honestly depends on the vehicle. Lowering springs definitely ride better on stock dampeners. However if you go up in price to something like a Fortune Auto Coilover, the ride is much much better. It’s because they have adjustable and active dampening. Both bound and rebound. Lowering springs are better than cheap (under $1,000) coil overs. But coilovers in the $2k plus range will always outperform just springs on stock shocks.

[@jeffwest5551]

@@classicautomotivenc ok thanks for the info. Sounds like you have some experience with this. And I was speaking of the element specifically. What would you go with if you were lowering your element? Like what's the best ride quality available on your opinion for the element?

[@jeffwest5551]

@@classicautomotivenc and what would you consider a good quality coilover for a decent price?