2008 Honda Element - Replacing All 4 Engine and Transmission Mounts

Today I replace all 4 engine and transmission mounts on my Honda Element. With over 200k miles and being over 13 years old, this vehicle has its fair share of noises and worn out components. Replacing the mounts is the first step in minimizing any clunking and creaking sounds, as well as stabilizing the engine and transmission under acceleration and heavy braking.
Torque Specs:
REAR: 59 Nm (43ftlb)
TRANS: MT & AT: 54 Nm (40ftlb)
FRONT: 64Nm (47ftlb)
TIMINGSIDE: 61Nm (45ftlb)
Product Link:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Timing Side Engine Mount
2:54 Transmission Side Mount
5:45 Front Engine/Transmission Mount
8:41 Rear Transmission/Differential Mount
10:28 Recap

[@robertwhitworth8352]

So needed. I think this is the first video I've seen where someone replaces all the mounts in one video. Well done, and thank you.

[@BILLT_YT]

Great, hope it helps!

[@petethegrip4556]

For the newer , less experienced folks- Always support your trans and /or motor ,with a floor jack or something when you pull your motor mounts!

[@BILLT_YT]

Absolutely, I've seen people just let it hang and definitely don't want to put the uneven stress on the mounts

[@SDPosse619]

Can you support the transmission with a floor jack without a wood block? I have those jacks with a plastic pad

[@petethegrip4556]

@@SDPosse619 yes.

[@petethegrip4556]

You need the jack to be able to line the new mounts bolts up. Ideally when you pull the old one off , nothing moves! If the engine shifts even a little, be prepared to do some adjusting with the jack to line up all the bolt holes. Careful not to cross thread anything .

[@augustmiller5265]

Super helpful to a green mechanic! 💞Just tackled the rear and driver-side mounts as a way to get familiar with our Element. Figured I'd document a few things from the process, as this seems to be one of the more popular pieces on the E's engine mounts… For anyone else with a manual/5-speed: keep in mind that the transmission mount is a totally different part, and may not come with multi-piece kits. It also felt like a more invasive process, due to the bolts being horizontal-to get enough room to move regular spanners on the lower bolts (no room for a socket), I had to remove the secondary air box at the very edge of the engine bay, as well as the battery and battery cage. The transmission bracket is designed a bit differently, too, and has to be installed along with (or before) the mount itself. Also worth noting: the drive shaft on 4WD (and AWD) cars will make the center bolt a little more difficult to remove from the rear mount. Make sure you have a few different socket extenders on hand to get your ratchet in a comfortable spot. Unfortunately, both the TRQ parts I got from 1AAuto ended up being lemons, so I'll be back in/under there next week to swap them out. Transmission mount was deformed or had sloppy tolerances and only two of three bolts would fit, and the rear mount seems to have used some questionable threaded inserts; one of them started spinning in the fiberglass/plastic body before I could get it torqued down. Lesson learned, re: OEM!

[@BILLT_YT]

Oem is always a grat choice! And yea, variations can be massively different between drivetrain or other components. Glad it helped!

[@compwiz101]

Quick, to the point, and straightforward video highlighting what needs to be done - if only all of YT could be so good! I was also surprised by how simple the rear mount was to swap, I'd expected that to be the "bad" one. TBH that front one is going to annoy me the most, I've already had the bumper off and that skirt was a bit of a PITA...

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I had the same thought goin in, but the rear is def easier

[@johnantinora6222]

I was going to send this job to my mechanic but your clean, concise video gave me confidence to change myself.

[@BILLT_YT]

Great, hope it helps

[@devintran9884]

How'd it go?

[@Jumpman67]

Great video. I just got an Element and these definitely need to be replaced.

[@BILLT_YT]

Great, hope it helps

[@projectkod]

love the simplicity of the video! I just did my engine and subframe drop kit as well as replaced the transmission side mount. Now i'll have to do rear mount since I am positive that one is toasted. possibly the front one too.

[@ASAPLocksmith]

Thank you for making this video, it's always great to see someone show you how to before you dive into something, knowing whats involved exactly before starting always comes in clutch.

[@BILLT_YT]

Glad it helped

[@clintsearcy3252]

Well done. Your old mounts look a lot better than mine did.

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I suspect at least one had been replaced relatively recent prior to me buying the vehicle.

[@wilbertroman5095]

Great Video buddy super detailed! Been needed my transmission mount changed and watching this gives Me Hope to do it myself Thx bro

[@BILLT_YT]

Glad to hear it, I would say this is definitely a doable diy for anybody with basic knowledge and tools

[@jrebuilds2]

Thanks bro, I’m gonna tackle this this Thursday, should be able to knock it out in a few hours 👍🏻

[@hakimmic]

Can't thank you enough for posting this video. Thank again.

[@BILLT_YT]

Hope it helps 😆

[@joesalaman3503]

One thing I noticed, is that the passenger side mount has almost zero clearance between the mount base and the bracket that mounts to the engine. this is the first part removed in this video. there is a rubber pad on the mount base that will get worn off as the bracket rubs against it. Even after replacing the mount with a new one there is at most 1mm clearance under the bracket. This is maybe why Elements tend to be noisy. There is a tiny steel pin on the top of the mount where the bracket sits that helps center the bracket on the stud. I ground this off so I could fit a couple of washers over the stud, which is long enough to allow this and still have enough threads to hold the nut. This will give a little extra clearance. If you need more, you could actually flip the bracket upside down, but will have to grind a portion of the lug to clear the rubber part of the mount, make sure you attach the ground wire before installing the bracket as it will be hard to get to underneath. This is clearly a design flaw with Honda, as the whole purpose of motor mounts is to isolate the engine from the body to allow it to move freely and prevent vibration and noise transmitting to the body. All the other mounts do this except this one. I have never seen this on any other vehicle.

[@ruiz212]

Awesome thanks for the video. Looking to get an Element soon so I have been binge watching everything and this video is one of the best. Thinking anything with less than 200k miles will still have plenty of life left.

[@BILLT_YT]

Glad to hear it, yea its a very robust engine and well built chassis could last a while

[@jonnyb1255]

Thanks for this video. I literally just changed two mounts in less than 40 minutes thanks to this video tutorial.

[@BILLT_YT]

Great, glad it helped

[@gehringer37]

Great video! I like the way its edited also!

[@BILLT_YT]

Thanks for the feedback 🙂

[@goldblueberries326]

Super smart on using black tape to hold the bolts. Great video

[@BILLT_YT]

Appreciate it! Definitely picked up a few thing doing this often and especially working with more knowledgeable or experienced mechanics.

[@dertyrid]

Great video very helpful, gives good insight on what to expect for these mounts im about to do on my element lol.

[@BILLT_YT]

Thanks, hope it helps!

[@jeffkeni]

Very nicely done.

[@TommyBoy82]

your doing the Lords work thank you for the vid!!

[@BILLT_YT]

Thank you for the feedback, should be more coming soon

[@Denver1976Man]

Must be nice to not fight rust.. Good video

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea... I grew up in new York so I 100% don't miss the rust 😂, thanks!

[@EkClassics]

Thanks Man. Nice filming, normal speed when we need to see things, sped up thru the mundane parts. Ordered all 4, starting with the front and rear since my motor rocks back and forth from reverse to drive. It moves so much I'm going to need a new exhaust gasket too. exhaust is loud in reverse, normal in drive.....

[@BILLT_YT]

Glad I could help

[@markobrien6586]

mr. B. great video keep up the great work !!!!!!!!!

[@BILLT_YT]

Thanks!

[@HectorHernandez-so5gb]

Excellent video. It took me like 4 hours to do them all but no complaints. I can feel the difference from starting the car. The front mount took me the longest and almost finish my patience. Thick fingers and big forearms didn't help. Lol. Thank you. I wish you do more Element repair videos.

[@BILLT_YT]

Definitely more coming, I have front lower control arms and struts all around as well as a few other little things in the pipeline... If there is anything specific you'd like to see let me know

[@HectorHernandez-so5gb]

@BJosepher Thanks for the response. Well, I bought my 2004 Element recently and started replacing all the bushings and mounts. I would like to see the ball joints replacement, Rear lower control arms bushings or however the real name is. But I think I don't have the tools for that. At least to have an idea before considering paying a mechanic.

[@BILLT_YT]

@@HectorHernandez-so5gb I have the front suspension in the pipeline for sure. Also most auto parts stores now rent specialty tools such as those for ball joints, etc.

[@SDPosse619]

Is there a specific torque pounds these should be?

[@striderade]

Well done tutorial, nice filming and easy to follow. Thanks for making this! I just ordered the new mounts and I'll be giving it a go next week.

[@BILLT_YT]

Hope it helps, glad to get the feedback. Any questions or issues feel free to reach out!

[@johnw3379]

Great video very informative! Thank you

[@BILLT_YT]

Hope it helps

[@johnw3379]

It sure does. I am going to change mine out this weekend. Thank you again

[@carlito3094]

Thanks bro .. awesome job and video

[@BILLT_YT]

Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helps.

[@danlawson3986]

Great video, thanx. Im gonna do them over 4 weknds. 1 at a time. Super doable

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea each one shouldn't take too long individually

[@danlawson3986]

@@BILLT_YT do i have to isolate the transaxl? Block it? Seems like it. Thanx

[@BILLT_YT]

I had no issues without doing it... but I can't say for every application

[@jedi_knight_tm]

Great video! Do you need to use Jack and wood block only when doing #3 mount? And are you using it just to keep in place or does it need to be lifted up a bit? Thanks

[@BILLT_YT]

Appreciate it, I would always suggest using something to support the engine when removing any mount... but I would say the back and sides are more critical.

[@johnantinora6222]

You are awesome! I made the mistake of buying the mounts from TRQ. The front passenger mount, holes didn’t line up. 🤦🏻‍♂️. Had to reinstall old mount until I can buy a new mount. 😡

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I think I bought a set for manual or awd originally and they didn't line up either

[@0verload]

Thank you!

[@BILLT_YT]

Hope it helps!

[@johnantinora6222]

Great video. Didn’t instruct to support engine on Jack with block of wood. During trans mount replacement sequence we can see the wood. Newbies may not know and wonder why the can’t get new mount in as engine drops.

[@BILLT_YT]

Honestly I thought I mentioned it at some point but 100 percent important

[@greghanlon2235]

Another good video. Did it fix the vibration issue? Restoring an 03 Element Ex 2wd with 250K... yeah it needs seemingly everything. Did you buy that affordable mount kit on eBay?

[@BILLT_YT]

Definitely helped a lot, there should be a link in the description to parts

[@vela07]

Good job, my friend bought the Amazon mounts and they didn't last long. Looking at honda oem now

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I would definitely say the amazon purchases can be hit or miss with quality.. find a good oem replacement or using the Honda parts themselves are always preferred

[@davidolvera2553]

Great video ! It’s necessary to put jack stands to remove the mounts ?

[@BILLT_YT]

I'm sure you can without, but it may put uneven strain elsewhere, as well there is always the safety aspect as well

[@bohickity]

My 15 year old manual transmission Element has needed two sets of motor mounts and both transaxles replaced by 130K. My wife’s same year and mileage AT Element has had no problems, I have paid a lot of money for the zippier ride of the manual transmission

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I'm usually in an MT but went with the AT for convenience in this car... I can imagine maybe the more linear shift motion of an AT would put less strain on mounts

[@Mike-ig6jk]

Great content , well explained . Did you use genuine Honda mounts ? Or aftermarket ? Thanks

[@BILLT_YT]

I went aftermarket, but I would recommend honda or a reputable aftermarket for sure. I will likely do a comparison video in the future detailing my experience with various levels of 3rd party parts, performance, and oem.

[@Mike-ig6jk]

Honda mounts are so expensive . Any idea of which aftermarket manufacturer is comparable to oem ?

[@BILLT_YT]

I haven't found anything I love yet, at least for oem... I have used a few performance mounts that I have enjoyed but definitely changed the dynamics of the car

[@bosun120]

Did you say or show how to jack up the engine/transmission, before first removing any bolts or mounts? Sorry if I missed it in the video. Also, nice (presumably) S2000 in the garage next to the Element? 2 vehicles that Honda should definitely bring back...

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I don't think I explicitly showed it but the idea is to even the strain... the engine and trans doesn't have to go up a ton, just want to keep it where it is without it sagging

[@devintran9884]

Looking for feedback on mechanics' advice I have an 05 mantrans, I've been told OEM Honda mounts are a must, that the minutes will tear themselves and wreck everything else. Any feedback? Also how long did this job take, have to schedule rack time for the starter as well.

[@BILLT_YT]

Oem is always better, I didn't drive the car often enough to be worried about longevity, so I experimented with non oem... as for time it's tough to say, since I work significantly slower when recording, but if I had to do it again I can probably do all 4 mounts in about 2 hours on the floor in my garage.

[@SkankHardEnduro]

How are those mounts holding up? I did the transmission mount a couple weeks ago and I think with 221,000 miles I should do the others.

[@BILLT_YT]

Everything seems good so far... I don't always drive the car but the mounts, coupled with the new suspension makes the vehicle drive much smoother

[@johnnymoran1177]

The music made me self harm...😂

[@BILLT_YT]

Hopefully it's not worse than having bad mounts lol

[@johnnymoran1177]

Lol, true...

[@wdsanchez5]

Which mounts did you purchase? I got a lot of vibration when i change all mine with OEMs mounts

[@BILLT_YT]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JJ2XMK2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 These I believe are the ones I purchased, that being said the stiffer mounts will increase the vibration, so if you move from old worn out mounts to brand new mounts there may be an initial increase in vibration in comparison.

[@mustangjoe8352]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johntabasz1219]

I’d love to know how these aftermarket components have held up.

[@BILLT_YT]

So far so good, had what seemed to be a defective mount for the rear but I swapped it out for free... I'll be jumping back into the components and evaluating how they have been... stay tuned!

[@PaulRavenstone]

Love the video! Anyone have all the torque specs for all of the mounts and their corresponding engine brackets, if we're doing this and replacing the engine?

[@BILLT_YT]

I have the torque specs... most of them are roughly hand tight, so I usually judge it myself, but I can look them up and drop them in a comment or a link if needed

[@PaulRavenstone]

@@BILLT_YT that would be crazy appreciated. There's 2 places of concern for me. First the transmission mount, especially to the frame (I can't find that anywhere) and then the passenger side engine bracket, I have the mount specs, and the mount bracket specs, but I can't find the 2 for the mount bracket to the engine bracket, or the 3 for the engine bracket to the engine block anywhere and I'm at hours long of internet searching...

[@BILLT_YT]

@PaulRavenstone @dmitryperekopsky8280 REAR: 59 Nm (43ftlb) TRANS: MT & AT: 54 Nm (40ftlb) FRONT: 64Nm (47ftlb) TIMINGSIDE: 61Nm (45ftlb)

[@PaulRavenstone]

@@BILLT_YT thank you very much for your time and efforts!!!

[@BILLT_YT]

@@PaulRavenstone no problem, hope it helps

[@JAW88]

So I just bought a 2006 Honda Element and I noticed today that if I do a quick and short step on the gas pedal I hear a quick clunk and if I hit the brakes. It only has 86,000 on it but my first thought was the mounts. No clunky noises when turning. Thoughts? Was yours doing the same? Thank you.

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea, mine was similar, I do plan to change my lower control arms and bushings, as well as many of my other bushings due to the mileage and age, but generally if the noise occurs during changes in accel and decel I usually lean towards mounts

[@0verload]

Did engine mounts resolve your issue?

[@johnmorin2371]

I live in Alpharetta, Ga. and have a 2007 Honda Element AWD, with 260K miles. I don't have all the tools you have, so can you help me with putting in the 4 new engine mounts?? Let me know, thanks!

[@BILLT_YT]

Personally I would love to help, but unfortunately I don't have a ton of free time and it's been a long time since I've worked on cars for other people outside of helping out a few friends... not sure what your time-line is but I don't think I'd be free anytime soon.

[@ssippishark]

Passenger front mount - I couldn't crack the nut on the supper long bolt, and couldn't find a deep enough socket, so I used a dremel cut off wheel and zipped the top off. WTF did they make it so long???

[@BILLT_YT]

Honestly I have no idea, my suggestion would be a crows foot if a wrench doesn't fit

[@ssippishark]

@@BILLT_YT I appreciate the reply, but I tried the crows foot and even added a band clamp around it to reinforce it, and I still cracked the "foot" without breaking the seized nut. Cutting the stud was the only option. I also have also have a 2005 stick 200k+ Element and enjoy the challenge of doing my own maintenance.

[@BILLT_YT]

I get that I was able to use a wrench and a hammer

[@BILLT_YT]

The more I think about it the only reason to have a long stud is to help locate the engine during installation but even then it could have been shorter... I have used many "creative" methods to loosen fasteners and the more I see the easier the next solution often is

[@user-og9ms6wy4u]

What brand mounts did you go with

[@BILLT_YT]

Link in the description

[@fume5671]

how are those mounts holding up?

[@BILLT_YT]

Tbh... so-so... I had a failure on one, but I'm not sure if it was defective or just poor quality in general

[@Utopia915]

Where did you buy the mounts??

[@BILLT_YT]

The product link is in the description

[@luisfontanez1770]

Where you located?? I will drive to the brave man to tackle all theses in one job. Non dealer..just need it done within 2 days

[@BILLT_YT]

I would love to help, but unfortunately I don't have the free time to work on much over the next few weeks. I only do the car thing part time.

[@lisacrawford6948]

Trans bucking and jerking as I accelerate. 05 element and code for idle air control valve. What makes trans jerk?

[@BILLT_YT]

Could be a lot of things if the Trans is bucking, but if it's happening under constant throttle than it's likely not related to mounts, or even really idle air control... best bet would be fluid, otherwise it may be a more complex issue

[@therealanton]

Does anyone know if the timing side displays any quirky noises indicating a worn part?

[@BILLT_YT]

Would likely be a clunking or squeaking type noise, depending on how the mount is worn...

[@EmanM45]

Are you down South or out West? Man, no rust on your Element. Not in Ohio, even with undercoating and washing it regularly lol

[@BILLT_YT]

Down south, and yes it's much cleaner.... I don't miss the salt or winters

[@JThaiForU]

Do you have the torque specs for all of the mounts?

[@BILLT_YT]

I do, however I am not currently at home... the internet has most of them as well if I find some ill poste em up, if not I can when I get home

[@BILLT_YT]

I found this: the passenger side mount, torque is 45 ft-lb, then the front mount 76 ft-lb, then the rear mount 43 ft-lb, then the transmission mount (driver side) 40 ft-lb... it sounds right and I can double check against what I have at home

[@notapplicable430]

Replaced my Element driver side axle recently. The old one fell apart as I removed it. The replacement axle had a note saying if the old axle was separated it could likely be due to motor mount problems. Anyone have experience with bad mounts separating the CV joints?

[@BILLT_YT]

I personally haven't but I see how it could... given there would have to be an astronomical amount of play

[@notapplicable430]

@@BILLT_YT Napa says the warranty is void if the part comes back with a torn boot and separated joint. Your videography is very good btw. And thanks for your reply. Hope your channel grows. Subscribed.

[@BILLT_YT]

@@notapplicable430 thanks, that just seems odd to me as torn cv boots is generally the most common way a cx axle would fail, regardless of mounts or anything else... seems fishy to me but just my opinion

[@armurano5093]

But those mushroom clips are a BEEAATCH holding the splash guard. Man, there's gotta be a better way.

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea I have never been a fan of plastic clips in general, but it is what it is, I don't seem them going anywhere anytime soon.

[@SDPosse619]

Is there a specific torque for these?

[@BILLT_YT]

Yes... they all land around 40-45 ftlb's .. each one is slightly different... for the front mount = 47, for the passenger side =45, Driver side = 40, rear = 43... at least these are the numbers I have

[@SDPosse619]

@@BILLT_YT thanks! For the 14mm bolts at 1:48 in the video is there a specific torque for those? I can’t find it in the manual

[@BILLT_YT]

If memory serves they are also ~45 but I can check when I get home from work

[@matthewstewart7712]

Does Anyone have the part number for the transmission side motor mount around 3:13

[@BILLT_YT]

50815-SCV-A84 (assuming you have 2wd automatic transmission) www.hondapartsonline.net/oem-parts/honda-rubber-assembly-transmission-mounting-at-50815scva84?c=Zz1ib2R5LWFpci1jb25kaXRpb25pbmcmcz1lbmdpbmUtbW91bnRzLWF0LTJ3ZCZsPTImbj1Bc3NlbWJsaWVzIFBhZ2UmYT1ob25kYSZvPWVsZW1lbnQmeT0yMDA4JnQ9bHgmZT0yLTRsLWw0LWdhcw%3D%3D All Mounts: www.hondapartsonline.net/v-2008-honda-element--lx--2-4l-l4-gas/body-air-conditioning--engine-mounts-at-2wd

[@matthewstewart7712]

@@BILLT_YT you are the man, I was struggling to find it because I was searching motor mount. Yes mine is an 08 ex. automatic 2wd

[@dmitryperekopsky8280]

good video but no torque specs

[@BILLT_YT]

Yea they are missing from the video, think I touch on some in the comments though

[@jmacefire6581]

What was the sign that you needed to replace these? My 07 has started to vibrate some as I hit 40-45 mph, but then stops as I get above 50. From research I have done, Im thinking this is the solution. Although Im already dreading removing the splash guard. Gave up trying to remove it on my last project. Major pain in the ass.

[@BILLT_YT]

The biggest feeling will be changes in load/throttle.... not necessarily the vehicle speed, if you can get under the car the rear mount is visually inspectable without any removal, same for the timing side, the other two may be able to be seen with minimal manipulation... that front mount is definitely the most involved in my opinion, and you could easily change them one at a time, they don't have to be done all at once