Honda Element Suspension Rebuild (Part 1)

[@The_Impulse]

Glad to know I’m not the only one that says thank you to bolts for coming loose from known problem areas.

[@JW--dc8ri]

It's the polite thing to do

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

I stopped asking many years ago. Oxy-A torch comes if it doesn’t play nice.

[@michaelmiller4716]

Man, to be able to repair a vehicle without a flat-rate clock ticking away or a service advisor telling you the customer is on his way so you need to speed up, is just plain refreshing. Eric, your commentary is of great help to many of us watching and encourages us to give DIY repair a try. Good stuff, I always enjoy your videos.

[@Doctor_X]

love the 5th element reference!

[@chadwinpark8386]

I've been saying that since seeing it many years ago. Especially when I open the garage door. Aziz, Light.

[@Jame6999]

Aziz . Was falling asleep

[@ericthecarguy]

While working on my Element. 😉

[@benxher]

I can't imagine keeping track of all the footage for these videos as well as the audio and then piecing everything together.. Epic work Eric.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@roberttaylor7732]

Did my son’s Element’s rear struts today. Just like you showed! I had to drill and use a self-tapping screw as well. Once I broke one bracket bolt I looked around. I actually loosened two of the through bolts that hold the canister to the bracket and it gave me just enough flex to get the strut out. For anyone who might try this, there is a cover that comes off via tabs, and then you can loosen the nuts and the bolts will fall out.

[@DrekxRex]

Thank you!

[@gatolibero8329]

Eric, you have over 1.5 million subscribers! That's amazing.

[@ericthecarguy]

And I'm grateful for each and every one. Thank you!

[@nospamevereh]

I did not think anyone else said Azizz, LIGHT. Would have to be an Element guy. 5th anyone?

[@jaypeeztabernac851]

loved it, I started LOL at 3am and wife must have thought i was crazy

[@Evergreen_Kings]

I say this all the time and couldn't remember where I got it from lol

[@spunkmire2664]

super green

[@audiogarden21]

Well it is a 2005 Element. Coincidence? I think not.

[@derekmoreno1272]

Yes!!!!

[@billtanguay8905]

Hi, Eric. This is exactly what my '07 Element needs as my back tires are feathering on the inside edge. I don't have the skills or tools to do this myself, but I have watched your video many times enjoying your careful and meticulous attention to the infinitely smallest detail.

[@brandtharen]

This is a great video. The series of videos on these Elements is building my confidence to do a complete rehab of the rear end on my father's 03 Pilot (bumper, subframe, complete suspension).

[@Morningstarrodshop]

My mom has a 03 Element that needs work. Watching these vids motivates me to fix it up

[@DeathToarmosUndjudens]

Brotha, you saved me countless times with my TL I had a while back. Now you're saving my ass again with this 07 Element SC. Unfortunately someone at a local Honda dealership rammed into me without zero warning. Anyway, cheers \,,/

[@navydipper9557]

I might be dead weight currently. But your knowledge has guided me throughly good sir and I appreciate your skill and handing it down freely.

[@justinlalugski2083]

idk what it is but watching and listening to you work on cars soothes me. Mechanic ASMR

[@maingun07]

Never wrenched on one of these. Thanks. Also, I've been pretty happy with Eastwood paint. I'm gonna try their spray on ceramic on an exhaust manifold to try to reduce rust. And I am not dead weight. I was cheering you on, especially on the rusty fasteners. It's always useful to have a pretty young girl cheering you on. Even if I ain't pretty. Or young. Or a girl. And I'm several days late. And four or five states away. Okay, I'm dead weight.

[@ericthecarguy]

😂

[@Sirach985]

ROFL

[@markjordan4994]

Impressive rebuild of the suspension. You're going a long way, Eric, toward make this Element a new vehicle!

[@garyanello3881]

Some great tips that are often overlooked or not even thought about by the DIYer. Great job as usual Mr. Eric. You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and skill!!! Stay strong!!! ☺

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@etran2719]

I am glad that you are working on Honda again!

[@wildman1137]

Composite magnetic vice jaws...great tip Eric! I wasn't aware such a thing existed.

[@johntowers]

Loved the Firth Element reference. have had my element since highschool 2003 and i also have a dog 🐕 named Leeloo!!! thanks for all the great element videos!

[@AcuraAddicted]

23:20 AXELent! I see what you did there, Eric :D

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Thanks Eric for putting this together! Very helpful

[@andy3233]

I appreciate the reference from The Fifth Element. “Aziz, LIGHT!”

[@roberttaylor7732]

Installed my Aerogenics adjustable control arms yesterday. Thanks, @ericthecarguy!

[@Lentsnh17]

I’m not sitting here completely dead weight… I’m making sure the chair doesn’t float away.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric you always make repairs look so easy and simple to do I always love watching your videos I am from South Africa

[@ericthecarguy]

The tools and the lift help a lot. Have a great weekend.

[@jhuntosgarage]

You're right! Just sitting here like dead weight. Gotta get up and get motivated. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertspitzer1566]

Thanks Eric, it was fun and entertaining watching the video. I'm looking forward part 2.

[@willdickson6761]

Huge help for my 2006 CRV 5MT! My rear suspension is starting to wear and an alignment is impossible the the cam bolts being seized! Thanks for the tip of good adjustable upper control arms!

[@masterofpatent]

greetings from Hellas.thank you Eric for all the knowledge that you have given to us.You have helped me a lot with everything on my ek4 vti. I have make my own 4 jackstands I lift the car I rebuild my transmission my entire suspension system I have make my own front and back wheel bars ,fender bars and generally I rebuild the entire car inside and outside! what I am trying to say is that any information someone needs its in your videos! thank you man..god bless you

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you and good luck with your EK4.

[@MarkMyWordsXx]

Wow we all see that caliper swinging from the brake line on the passenger side, your not gunna get away with that Thanks for the vid, if we all don't need this service now, we're all about to

[@ivanlindsey]

Dead weight? Somebody needs to manage the shop. All I have to say about your work ethic is this: Good job! You need a raise.

[@UNEEK_LOGIK]

Bigbadaboom Bada-boom Your are the supreme being Erik..

[@probochronicles3991]

Mine has this exact problem and I'm going through tires like crazy. I have new struts and adjusting control arms.

[@hiyapal6819]

Love the video and of course love how you are working on an Element and reference the movie the Fifth Element "Aziz Light!" one of my favorite movies along with my favorite car.

[@foellerd]

I'm stoked, I got a 03 CRV with all kinds of suspension noise and play, so this video is exactly what I need. Every CRV I've seen from this generation (with yellow turn signals, 02 to 04) has its rear tires cambered pretty bad. I think they solved the issue for the face lifted same generation 05 to 06 CRV. Its really hard to stay between the lines at highway speed. I've replaced all 4 struts with KYB's, outer tie rod ends, tires, and had a alignment done.

[@ericthecarguy]

I believe those same rear control arms might fit your CRV. Links in the description.

[@shawnvanderdoes9823]

This video kept me entertained well fixing a leak under my sink. Keep up the dirty work.

[@motorbikemadness5773]

Nice work, Eric!

[@johnclark7908]

Eric, at 5:41 you can see your differential suspension bushing jumping about an inch while you are loosening the differential plug. It sits above the rear sway bar and the differential. Yours is SOOO shot! That bushing missing makes a huge clunk at odd times.

[@g0dl355]

Much better, thank you Azizz

[@Dave.S.TT600]

Love this video. Even though i've never heard of this car.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for watching!

[@jdhern9078]

Good video Eric

[@roberttaylor7732]

You are a font of knowledge, Eric! Thanks for posting this. My rear camber is super extreme, so I will definitely be installing some adjustable upper control arms.

[@roberttaylor7732]

Ordered the Aerogenics Rear Upper Cont. Arms (thanks for the code!)

[@pirana6]

Eric your magnetic grips that go into the vice jaws: They go in the other way. All the funny grooves are for putting things into those grooves to better hold stuff.

[@zijiechen3846]

Wonder if anyone is like me, playing all ETCG and ETCG1 videos as “background music”, even I’m not working on my cars now. Somehow I just like him and his voice.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@wobblysauce]

Great day when parts fit.

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Ok I’ll admit it now I can’t wait for Part 2!! Thank you for such amazing videos.

[@codo7]

Well, I really like those Elements. I wish I had a shop space to work in. I would really like to overhaul one...and keep it for myself.

[@machinesofgod]

Greetings Eric! I'm going to enjoy this video. Thank you for all you have done, helped me out a lot!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for your viewership and comments.

[@davevq]

Speed Academy is up in canadaland and they deal with bad bolts/nuts all the time. They have been using the bolt buster heat induction tool that centers the heat on the nut or bolt and nothing else. It seems to work for them 100% of the time removing really stubborn rusted bolts/nuts.

[@TalosValheru]

I learned a lot about my car and repair process here. And on a personal note I laughed out loud at "Aziz, light!"

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Thanks for another great video, ETCG!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for the comment.

[@TerrybleGamer]

If only every mechanic was like Eric, knowing what to do, doing it right instead of breaking 4 bolts and JB welding it back saying "that will be 500$ sir!".

[@pgarrett6665]

I see Eric the car guy videos I click like.

[@ericthecarguy]

I see your comment and I do the same.

[@pgarrett6665]

@@ericthecarguy I'm currently setting the valve lash on the original b18a1 , I just replaced the crank , cleaned everything like some ocd with a manic episode, and I'm just now buttoning everything on the top end up, top end got the same love, I love this car , maybe it'll go another 190k miles 🙏😀.

[@Jame6999]

Eric you should be at 2.5 million subscribers by now. Don't UNDERSTAND why with all the value of information you have archived on YT

[@ericthecarguy]

I feel I make good videos, but I really hate playing the KZbin/Social Media game. I'm sure that's worked against me. Thanks for your support.

[@ramonpagan695]

Hi Eric I'm not a mechanic but I enjoy watching your video also I get to learn how to do some car repairs thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@PeterMarcinek-r3l]

Perfektný majster si, ďakujem za super video ako sa to robí. Pozdravuje Peter - Slovakia 😊

[@mattfoley6082]

33:45 My rear diff became noisy during turns. Changed the fluid and that got rid of the noise.

[@WouterB76]

If not for the mechanical work then your sense of humor would have me still watch your videos.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@labradormcgraw]

Well, from not having any initial idea where you were going with this, it actually turned out pretty damn good, methinks. 👍👍

[@ericthecarguy]

The ride is excellent too. It's like a brand new vehicle in so many ways. I feel terrible because I plan to drive it in the salt and muck. I'll do what I can to wash it off in the spring though. Always nice to see you. Have a great weekend.

[@theorycreative]

I think the CR-V is the same from 02-06. The second generation. They changed the body style in 07. I’ve got an 06 CR-V so I love that you have an army of Elements to work on. The 02-06 Acura RSX Type S chassis/suspension parts are also mostly interchangeable.

[@davidconrad2237]

After doing much head scratching, some internet research, more head scratching, more research, I discovered the reason my rear tires were always wearing out on the inside shoulders: too much negative camber! So I went online and searched for adjustable rear control arms, decided on the Moogs. Just installed them yesterday and set my own camber to neg .5 degrees using a $40- digital camber gauge. The whole process was supremely satisfying, as I'd already recently replaced the rear struts with aerogenics springs (I tow a camping trailer) and replaced the brake rotors, calipers and hoses. Anyway, as you can imagine, when Eric dissed the Moog adjustable control arms my stomach dropped a little bit. What's wrong with the Moog control arms? Granted, my Moog front ball joints went bad really quickly, so I won't be using those again. But the control arm is a very different type of component, and my Moog sway bar links have been holding up fine. I guess maybe the bushings are crap? If they go bad I guess I'll be replacing them with the Aerogenics UCAs. :/

[@GleepGlop2]

Can't wait to watch this! I want to buy a used Element and my understanding is there are recall inspections on the rear suspension such that Honda will appropriate your Element if it fails inspection.

[@richeyrich2203]

Really? Links? I've not seen any recalls on suspension, and the dealer said there are none that need to be done for mine.. What's your source?

[@GleepGlop2]

@@richeyrich2203 google honda element rust recall - its something about where the frame and rear trailing arm attach. If it is too far gone to reinforce they buy it off you. I think the recall hasnt been issued in USA though, I'm in Canada. If you get rust best to maybe do a preventative job on that area.

[@paulmachak9853]

I sure wish I lived close to you. I would have no reservation about you working on my '10 Element

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Thanks for sharing Eric. You and family have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July Artie 🇺🇸

[@ericthecarguy]

You too!🇺🇸

[@dpete8995]

Thanks Eric… made it look easy!

[@carpenterek]

Maybe I drive my 06 Element to your shop, from Norway! Very nice video- I might do it myself. Thank you again!

[@joelambriz2015]

He's fixing and Element.... "Aziz, light!" ..... I see what you did there.... 🤣

[@ericthecarguy]

😉

[@2810Mad]

The element of surprise

[@VBshredder]

Yay, rusty parts replaced with new parts. I'm in!

[@chooch502]

Sorta

[@shane6961]

You're right, I'm literally just sitting here, eating a bagel.

[@Apk07]

I just finished a bagel, glanced down at the comments and saw this.

[@mikepettengill2706]

@@Apk07 you guys are literally sitting in his waiting room, watching stuff on your phones, eating bagels.

[@bradleydavidgood]

Great video. What's wrong with the moog adjustable rear upper arms? I just ordered those, should I send them back and get the others?

[@TheDerrty111]

I ENJOY WATCHING YOU ERIC. LOVE YOUR VIDEO'S ! GO ACURA & HONDA REPAIRS!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@ViperKillerWannabe]

25:54 Ah, I see you are a man of culture as well.

[@rmay.1583]

Great video

[@milboltnut]

Eric really digs 12 point wrenches and sockets. Hey Eric you forgot to bungee the caliper. Make sure you tighten those nuts on the upper control arm.

[@davidbelville2463]

A few years ago I helped my son remove some suspension parts from his car; after many sawzall blades smoking and loosing their teeth, we found the spraying the blade with a mist of water would make the blade last 10 times as long.

[@mcrande]

Ahhh you watched my documentary thanks Eric

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Excellent video!! Thank you so much.

[@Earth29431]

Thank you for another video tips Eric, your awesome.👍

[@mattfoley6082]

25:35 Excuse me? I am NOT just sitting here; I've been doing arm curls with my coffee.

[@ericthecarguy]

Nice. That's the first I've heard of my videos accompanying exercise.

[@preludedude4765]

@@ericthecarguy I hope you realize he meant he was lifting his coffee to his mouth. No excersize happing here lmao

[@mattfoley6082]

29:00 No lift so I replaced my rear shocks on the ground. To align the holes I had to use a 8 foot long 4x4 wood beam, had my girlfriend push down on the end while I was underneath putting in the bolt.

[@thelonelywolf88]

7:40 I guess you can say that was quite the Element of surprise

[@MrHanichak2]

Anytime you like an assistant all you have to do is ask. And I'm assuming anyone of us would really happy to jump in to help you out! Not all of us are bumps on a log.

[@stratmancruthers]

Lots of unintentional ASMR goodness going on here, and I own an 03 Element as an added bonus to watching

[@mikefernandz6770]

I like how the socket just exploded out lol

[@ericthecarguy]

And I landed on my butt after. Didn't get it on camera though.

[@richardlugar6868]

@@ericthecarguy I thot I felt the ground shake.

[@ericthecarguy]

😂

[@chrisrussell4073]

I say "Aziz, light" all the time and nobody gets it. Thanks for nerding with me. Also, thanks for warning about the charcoal canister.

[@michaelfitzgerald1328]

Again, thank you

[@clarkkent5865]

Honda CRV 2001 to 2005 have the same issue with the negative camber angle on rear wheels.

[@ptroinks]

25:55 I just loved that Fifth Element reference! Made me laugh!

[@canuckfixit7722]

In one of your older videos, you said that rebooting CV joints is no longer worth it and it is better to buy new. From personal experience with my '05 Element, don't eve try this! Glad to see you do a revisit of the process. 17:33 Did you check the right side before removing the tri-pot core to see how the inboard and outboard CVs are phased from the factory? Suggestion: If the tri-pots cores are anything like the front inboard CVs, you can flip them around so that during acceleration, the bushings/bearings will bear down on the less-worn side of the tri-pot core.

[@ericthecarguy]

That's a good tip for CV joints, I never thought of that. These are rear axles, way different than front ones. I don't even think they'd be available in the aftermarket if I'm honest. For these, I think a rebuild is the only way to go. Thanks for the comment.

[@canuckfixit7722]

@@ericthecarguy You are welcome. The inboard front CV joints are also tri-pots but have three true bearings instead of the solid bushings installed in the rear. I did this and it worked great.

[@patrickmcalister1385]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I'm literally ordering all the parts to rebuild the suspension in my 2007 Element EX. Everything I've learned how to fix on my Element are because of your videos 🤟 Quick question for ya', Eric: Do you know if complete strut assemblies for the 2003-2006 Elements will fit the 2007-2011 Elements? I know in 2007 they changed the direction of the right coil spring (I think) but figured it would work the same if I just buy the complete assembly. Honda suppliers have run out of struts, and I'm having to buy aftermarket, possibly Monroes. KYB is supposedly making a Strut-Plus for the Element, but not being released until later this year, or possibly longer. And thanks for the awesome info on these Elements. Glad to see there are still people who love em' 🙌

[@GleepGlop2]

Dang I was hoping you'd break a bolt on the stabilizer bushings so I could see how you fix it lol, broke all 4 of mine and just took the bar out for now, don't want to deal with the headache laying under my car trying to fix that.

[@ericthecarguy]

You might find this helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV65dWSvrZtkmKM

[@jamesguralski5156]

Hi Eric. At 12:30. You point to bushing, right! On the hub... I need those bushings. Our element has 270,000 miles on it. I need to change those.. bolts are frozen too.. do you have a link or a parts list!?

[@jamesguralski5156]

Great vid

[@Jupiter7Nonot]

I’m so glad u made a Pokémon reference 🙌

[@miguelrodriguez2328]

Great video bro ! Would you be able to make a video replacing the three bushings you showed earlier? Thanks.

[@bunaziulica5776]

Aziz light: 5th element reference. Also, I’d love to be there and help. One suggestion, I’d also add anti seize compound to the little 4mm Allen bolts. Just my 2 cents.

[@timrowe8123]

Eric, we’re traveling to Cincinnati later this year. Wheres your favorite place to eat? Love the channel and what you do. Thanks!

[@ericthecarguy]

I don't go out to eat much, even before the pandemic. I'm actually a pretty good cook myself and most of what I do is better than any restaurant that I've gone to. Especially since they seem to have teenagers doing all the cooking these days. Thanks for the comment.

[@The513Warning]

Depends on which part of Cincinnati you're going to and what you're looking for.

[@RobertHancock1]

Might want to try the carbide saw blades for jobs like this, probably would hold up better than the bimetal ones.

[@Andrew-ps9kq]

Woah woah woah 4:55 did Eric have the wrong spanner 🔧😳 😆