Finding and Repairing Rear End Noise Honda Element/CRV -EricTheCarGuy

[@christinaandwena8917]

>That feeling of euphoria when someone else describes the exact problem you are having with the same exact car you have

[@KelOne333]

Ha! accurate! I just bought an 04 Element yesterday and this noise was bugging me. As soon as I heard it on the video my eyebrows went way up like 'HEY! THAT'S THE NOISE!"

[@alecfleming373]

I paid $250 for a 98 CRV. So yeah I'll hunt the exact fix down. Found it so I am so stoked!

[@emtcfrank]

Thank you very much Eric ,I just changed the sway bar bushings on my wife's 2006 element. The repair place said it would be about $175.00 for the repair. The parts cost $9.05 for about 25 minutes . Thank you very much wife very happy.

[@glenrodrigue8269]

Excellent video - thank you Eric. The rear clunking on my 2008 Element was beyond annoying, it was like driving a suspensionless vehicle. An easy and inexpensive repair that completely eliminated the noise. BTW - bushing retainer bolts thread into a nut that is tacked onto the frame - one of mine broke free when I was removing the bolt. If this happens to anyone else - the nut is a 15mm.

[@unclemike8467]

I have literally been trying to fix this noise for 10 years on my 2007 Element. No shop ever figured it out. The right rear felt and sounded exactly like you described when I yanked on it. Replaced both bushings and brackets and the thunking sound is finally gone. Best $20 I have ever spent. Thank you!

[@jims355]

Thanks for posting this video It solved my rear clunking on my 2012 CR-V! A couple of points though to make the process even easier. There is no reason not to jack up the vehicle, as long as both rear wheels are off the ground. It make for even more space. Also, the cutout of the bushing does need to face the rear. The bushings even have FRONT marked in them so you don't put them in backwards. The bolts on are torqued to 16 ft lbs on the CR-V.

[@itmember5721]

98 crv I need to do mine, would rolling it up on ramps be ok?

[@JohnnyUtah9173]

16 ft lbs? That’s spark plug torque.

[@janicemcclure6171]

I took my Element to repair shop for engine light and the bumping noise. After $5,000 worth of repairs the noise was still there. I found your video and ordered the parts, showed the shop owner the video, and he put them on. NO MORE NOISE!!! You are awesome, thank you soooooo much.

[@juliestanley2034]

Thank you!! I got quoted $100 to fix this plus $50 for the parts. Just bought them on Ebay for $9.89 and I sure I can do this myself. Cheers Eric!

[@1jiveturkey1]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos Eric. You have helped thousands of Americans save money and learn how to wrench in the process.

[@richardmpp]

fyi, after diagnosing this problem, i ordered the new bushings, since i already had the bushing off i decided to cut an old bike tube up rapping the sway bar and by matching its diameter. then cut to size and reinstalled the old bushing over it. Since no noise when the new bushings arrived I was in no hurry and put them aside, that was three years ago and still no noise. bike tubing seems to work fine. some day will replace the bushing, but for now all is good.

[@HonestDoubter]

I owe you a beer. This one has driven me nuts for a year.

[@Desertratgarage]

Or if you suspect it being the sway bar bushings, remove the mounts and just tie it up and let the bar hang. Take it for a drive and listen for the noise. If it goes away get bushings, if it doesnt keep looking. No need to throw parts at something if your not sure.

[@DuncanCunningham]

Before I saw this video I had bought two replacement shocks. I bought the bushings, replaced them like you and now I have less noise from the rear. Took the shocks back. Saved me lots of time and money, thank you

[@reid3195]

I've had a weird rear-end clunking noise in my '05 Element for the past couple of years. I tried Eric's solution here and it absolutely fixed the problem. I couldn't move any of the four bracket bolts, they were so rusted, so I still had to take it in to a shop to pull them off. Still, a cheap fix for a long-time annoyance. Thanks!

[@PdxPinup]

THANK YOU!!! I had the same clunking noise. Took it to three different shops and they all said the rear struts needed replaced. The prices ranged from $400 to $800 from the Dealer. So glad I saw this video and tried replacing the sway bar bushings first. Problem solved. And to think, I would have wasted at least $400 and STILL NOT fixed the Problem! Thanks Eric the Car Guy!

[@pssst3]

When I replaced mine, I used Liquid Wrench on the bolts several times over an a week, and still had the rusty chassis welded nut snap its tack welds. after tye the third one snapped I was ready to call it quits and pc have a localmecyanic torch off the spinning free bolts and nuts. Experimenting, I found that there was just enough room to get a 12 point box wrench over the nuts and afterheating turn with a propane torch, they came free. I replaced the nuts with corrugated washer flanged nuts and applied antiseize to the threads of the new bolts. I recommend trying a back wrench to relieve the stress on the welds if you are using hand tools. I later learned that PB Blaster works better the Liquid Wrench in this kind of application.

[@brianattia9038]

Thanks ECG. You saved me $200 box from my mechanic.I had similar clunking sound and when I’m checked the stabilizer bar, found out it was the bushings. Got both from Honda for $13 and took less than 30mins to replace. And Booop, it was fixed and sound is gone.

[@kelseygreene5599]

Spent $800 trying to figure out what was wrong and the noise never went away. Thank you so much!!!

[@gsyvr]

Many thanks for this. I had the car at the dealership for routine maintenance, and mentioned the "clunking noise." They looked over the suspension and said everything is in order, and suggested that maybe it's a back seat making the noise. Then I saw your video. Purchased the parts yesterday and installed them on my 2004 Element (I haven't done any repairs on my car since my university days and that was a while ago). Low and behold - the clunking noise is gone!

[@musicbones88]

THANKS!! Excellent production. Great video shots, angles, focus, etc. Info was simple, to the point, easily understandable. Stage/video presence was great. If all this guy's how-to videos are of equal quality then he is the go-to guy on any issue he presents.

[@VINZBROWN]

Exxxxxactly. I was thinking the same!!

[@beachelephants]

if its a 4wd, changing the rear differential fluid will solve the problem. The noise is usually heard when turning at low speeds, (parking)

[@wilcer]

That's the noise I have. I'm gonna give it a try

[@JohnRivers-ol5tv]

@@wilcer me too 2006 element

[@wilcer]

@@JohnRivers-ol5tv I just did the differential fluid and it literally worked. My car is quiet now on turns.

[@jleftbrane]

Like clicky noise but it’s not the rear axles?

[@busarider9244]

Daughter has a 2003 I changed the rear diff fluid because it smelled horrible when I was changing the rear wheel bearings.After I replaced the rear stuts I didnt hear the noise.But now theirs a banging noise I will definitely look at those stabilizer bushings.

[@KevinBridges1]

This has been driving me nuts! $15 and 10 minutes later, the noise is gone. Thanks!

[@crogromphulous]

Great to use the silicone grease to avoid degradation of the rubber bushing, but then also better remember to clean off the liguid wrench before getting it on the new rubber. Also, thanks for this.

[@lanfoolz]

This fix totally resolved my problem!!! I couldn’t hear the sway bar moving when I pulled on it but I could see the bushing was shiny after I pulled it off. Thanks Eric!

[@vocalistus]

Hi there. Hello from Portugal. I just did this procedure on my 2004 2.2 Honda Accord (European) and guess what? It Worked!! I just got rid of that horrible noise in 10 minutes thanks to you. Thank you very much for the tip.

[@hutch64100]

It also works for the front stabilizer bar . I have a 1998 and a 2000 Honda CR-V . I done both front bars to fix a clucking noise. Good vid and thanks.

[@jaredgeiger6073]

Thank you so much! We have has this noise for years and couldn't figure it out with anyone. Parts were less then $10. Took me about 20 minutes. Now I have silence, finally. You rock!

[@motoarch]

My 2007 does exactly this. I was going to pay a mechanic to replace the struts. So happy I found this video first. Thank you

[@Keyooshi]

2001 Honda CRV with many years of the dreaded clunking sound under the front floor panel. Replaced the sway bar end links and it did get very slightly better. Replaced the sway bar bushings, ALL fixed! No more clunk or vibrating rattle. I actually shimmed a small piece of a vinyl coated bent hanger inside the old bushing as a test and that eliminated most of the sound until I replaced the bushing.

[@memathews]

Just replaced the struts at 145k miles and the my green (same as the video) 2003 Element handles great again--but that noise is still there! Now I'll do the bushing replacement and my life will be complete 😊 👍 My daughter has a 2003 CRV, I'll need to give that a listen and maybe be a Dad-hero for a day or two.

[@poppops62]

Stumbled on this video as I have the same noise in my 2009 CRV. I was all set to order new dampers, tomorrow morning I’ll be checking these bushes! 👍

[@dk.650]

Thanks for this video. Have a 2006 CRV with rear end clunks now. 200 000 km on the clock. Greetings from South Africa. Local workshop said the entire rear suspension needs work. Just goes to show how some lie to the public.

[@jobedied1]

I put up with the clunk for a year before I figured it out. All I did to mine was wrap electricians tape around the shaft two layers take the bushings out put tape on the back of the external clamp . Then bolted it back together with the gap taken out and it's been 50.000 miles and no return of the clunk. I know my repair was a little shade tree but it worked.

[@RMalai]

I am going to try this on my car. that rattling noise particularly when idled at traffic lights is bothering me too much. hope this would solve the problem.

[@MrCleitus]

@@RMalai Replacement bushing are cheap, install new ones.

[@jamesdoyle9220]

The clunking noise in my 05 Element was caused by a worn out vibration dampener mounted next to the rear differential. Also replaced the stabilizer bar bushings and links while I was in there. The dampener is around $50 aftermarket or $80 from the Honda dealer.

[@Jimbojam]

OMG thanks a bunch, mate. i just shook my bar and it made the same noise on the left side. going to honda to get the part tomorrow!

[@diyathomeagain6616]

On my own car, I would have used anti-seize lubricant on those screws, and used some silicone paste on the outside of the rubber bushings as well as on the inside (like you did). Great video Eric, like all your videos!

[@boomerguy9935]

Very good info on the silicone lube. It seems that not many DIY'ers know why you shouldn't use petroleum base lubes.

[@robat7]

Incredibly helpful video! Thank you so much. Beginning to remove my "fear of f***ing up" working on vehicles. That's saying something!

[@anthonycimagl4864]

thanks just used ur video on my o3 element. took 2 stores to find the silicone lubricant but i found one and the install went super smooth and now my element is so quiet.

[@lvtitan73]

Hi, first i'd like to say thank you for posting all your videos. I have a 2000 Honda Civic Dx automatic, which last month I replaced the "rear main seal" due to a major oil leak..I mean "Major". And after many months of dealing with this leak, and knowing how much on Labor alone mechanic shops charge to do this job for a part that only cost $20.00 from the dealer, I used your videos as reference and was able to do this job myself in 2 days and save me money. I just wanted to say Thank You Boss.

[@letmefindout81]

old video, but this is gold. i have the same clocking noise on my 98 prelude. problem is i jacked it up looked everywhere and no sign of bad bushings. now i will just drive it up my oil change ramps and crawl under it and check those bushings 😋 thank you sir

[@GeorgeHuMIT]

Thanks! Your videos have helped me with several problems over the years. Today I was trying to figure out a squeak in the rear of a Chevy Volt and while it doesn't have sway bars, you inspired me to look closer and I was able to fix it by lubricating the bushing attaching the rear axle to the chassis. Amazing! 3 separate mechanics and hundreds of dollars couldn't figure it out! Scotty beat you by about 3 years - but thanks for doing yours, though!

[@charlesdavidson4815]

Wouldn't ya know it. Watched this one, now I hear the clunk. 😆

[@omega42587]

its all I do, listen for weird noises in the element. its an obsession now.

[@xcomboy666]

100 years ago when I was a teen, I discovered 100% Silicone Spray (NOT spray lubricants WITH Silicone) as a rubber protector and lubricant. 'Went from having to replace those cracked front spring boots on my Honda 90 every damn year, to never replacing them again. Since then I've used it to protect and lubricate rubber on every new vehicle I've owned with No Fails.

[@Formula400Pontiac]

A really common problem on a lot of cars. Same type bushings in the front can sometimes be a really pain in the ass to replace since the often are jammed between the sub-frame and the firewall. Tip. If you have rattling bushings and want to eliminate the noise temporarily you can loosen the brackets and put washers between the sub-frame and the bushing. They will stay put after tightening the bracket bolts. Thickness on washers depend on wear. And remember it's only a temporarily fix...

[@stevebirchmeier8082]

Thanks for the info. Just replaced my bushings and the clucking noise in the rear end is completely gone. Nice and quite. BTW I put PB Plaster on my bolts and let them soak over the weekend. Turned them out with a ratchet.

[@WheelDrivenADV]

Thanks bro. For the last two winters I was getting that noise but when it warmed up the noise would go away. Checking this tomorrow after I finish my rear brake pad/rotor replacement. Thanks again.

[@olenaerhardt7725]

@2:20 Thank you very much for that idea to shake the Rear Axle Beam with the load. I need to find the reason for a noise in the rear of 2009 Nissan Sentra and planned to raise the car and go around w/a pry bar trying to see what is moving, but maybe that movement can be found only under the load. I watched many films on the subject already and no one said about inspecting under the load so directly. I have a loud noise on the Passenger Rear. It came after I hit a hole or smth on the road followed w/ horribly loud sound. I thought that the Front Struts went out (one on the PS was reported to have a problem by FireStone, but at Dealer they said it is O'K. After ~ 1-2 years it started to leak, right after I hit that hole on the road). So I replaced the Front Struts, inspected the rear of the car, Rear Shocks looked good to me. But the loud sound on the Passenger Rear remained. I've learned that the Rear Shocks can be blown in the way they don't spread out after been compressed, so it can be seen only after you remove them. So I replaced them (they were blown and didn't spread at all, so that job should be done anyway), but the horrible sound on the P Rear didn't go away how I hoped. And it is like smth ready to fall apart. No rust in that area or anywhere in general (we are in Dallas TX). I've seen one film, where he said the problem is very common for the cars, like 2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0L (which is our car). And it always come on the Passenger Rear. Thank you again for this informative and unique film.

[@andrewengle564]

Thanks Eric! My 2003 Element with 243,000 miles has this clunk. I think I can do this! Unlike mostly everything else I've watched you fix on your Element. :)

[@drewskips6318]

this noise started in our 2003 element. so happy to have found this very helpful and very detailed video. thank you very much. I'll be attempting this repair thus weekend and will follow up with the results. the one thing I really liked too, was just the small things about what you're applying to the parts prior to putting back on. cheers!

[@VideoMusicManiacPlace]

My E was so noisy that I though this may not be my only problem. Nope just this did the trick. Out of the 4 bolts 2 broke and the nuts on the other 2 broke the weld. I was able to remove the broken bolts which took 4 hours but did finally come out. Went to a junk yard and got enough hardware to replace 80% of my hardware! Put it back together and now so quite. Next up will be valve adjustment. Thanks for your education.

[@woj81tymon6]

Thanks for this video. I was looking for a few days of knocking in my Honda CRV II and today I'm checking the stabilizer and bingo 😅

[@ALSomthin]

Sweet I have been looking for this noise for a year. so off I went to the Honda dealer parts department installed new ones and no more klunk happy days!! Thanks !!!

[@chrisfontaine6221]

ahhh a Young ETC, I just grabbed a 99 CRV and have a few bugs to work out so I'm sure I'll be watching a few of your vids again lol cheers to you

[@Dartanon]

Thanks Eric, your videos have saved my butt many times. Keep up the great work!

[@johnkinnane547]

G' Eric I had to replace the same bushings but I also replaced the suspension linkages I figure that if the bushings are worn like that the stress on the lineages would have been significant. Good vid regards Johnno

[@thelizardking76]

Man you make the best videos. I like to just watch them for fun because they're so well made. Keep it up man. You're very helpful to a student like myself trying to become a tech

[@VGstoof]

I don't even have a street car yet and I watch all of these. Keep up the awesomeness. :]

[@j45acp69]

Hello Eric. Love your videos as we have a 2007 element and it's starting to need some love. Might I make a suggestion? On rusty parts I typically run a tap or die on the part and then coat them with anti sieze. This stuff works wonders for keeping things maintanable in the future especially in corrosive environments. In any event, all the best and keep things running, I know i'll be watching!!!!

[@alexm2623]

If you have 1 other person to help, you can lay on the ground while they jack it up and down to confirm sway bar noises (including links). Another cheap thing to try is to hit them with white lithium spray right on the bushings to see if the noise goes away - if it does, you've confirmed your problem, and sometimes, that alone can fix them for years. Since it's pressurized it can seep into the center under the brackets unlike silicone paste. If you take it apart, silicone is the better option, and since they're so cheap, you might just elect to throw the parts at it without confirming. I wouldn't lithium it unless I already had the spray sitting around the garage.

[@gfriedman99]

Alex M what kind of noise are we talking about here? I thought Eric said clunk but you seem to indicate squeak.

[@justhes]

And for Ford Explorer owners (95-01) I recommend the AC Delco polyurethane front sway bushings and the Energy Suspension polyurethane rear sway bar bushings. They are much stiffer than the rubber bushings and reduce body roll quite a bit.

[@ssippishark]

Did the bushings with no luck. Replaced the links, and BINGO!

[@Bubblegoose]

I would say that replacing the sway bar bushings would fix that noise on most vehicles. All cars that share the same kind of sway bar setup will have these bushings, and if you are getting this noise, there is a good chance they have gone bad. Other things to check are damaged or worn endlinks. Which make a slightly different noise, but an annoying noise none the less. if you can't afford new ones (you really can't afford $12?), greasing them up should fix it for a while.

[@arkansaswookie]

My 2010 Element is doing this same thing. Drove me crazy. Thought it was the spare tire, exhaust, loose wheel. etc. Sure enough. Bushings. Now I know what to do.

[@gabyvillan]

Thanks a lot! My car had 2 bushings. One was misplaced and the other was completely gone! All I had to do was put it back into place! Took less than 20 min

[@impala63ism]

just wanted to say thanks for your videos, i just got out of the garage after doin captive rotors. youre video on this helped me out! alot of poundin, air hammerin, cursin, but the job got done. thanks for your help from the impala guy

[@HarrrySpider]

this is awesome... I've had that "clunk" for some months... dreading taking to a DUDE and asking them to check... I was also thinking strut issue, or control arm... man, I think this video may have saved me some $$$

[@supermicrodualcpu]

Hi Eric, another great video. After you have invested in your swivel head ratchet spanners, see yourself to getting a headset microphone and a wireliess mic set-up. That way you will not sound off-mic so much and be able to walk away from the camera without fear off tipping it off its tripod. The headset mics are fairly cheap but radio mics can be pricey and you do get what you pay for. Try some sennehiser G3 112 for compactness and portability. This is the set-up I use with great results.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Excellent just checked my 07 element and I have the same issue. Pulled on the stabilizer bar and hear the same noise. I thank you I will be ordering new bushings.. 👍

[@SubieSean]

My '99 Outback Sport is making a squeaky noise in the front. I believe it has something to do with the sway bar bushings. We'll see, I have inspection Wednesday.

[@chasauto2932]

From experience I learned if those bushing have a slight bit of play they make noise good video eric

[@drcstudios]

This is also a good fix for the front stablizer bar on a CRV as well... I had replaced the lower control arms, lower ball joints, sway bar end links as well as inner and outer tie rod ends and was still getting a clunking noise. turns out it was the bushings! too bad this video didn't come out two months ago!

[@dvmartel1]

Eric, your videos are phenomenal for a weekend mechanic. Thank you. fwiw, your aversion to anti-seize is amusing .

[@guubagaaba8391]

i keep a small can of sil-glyde on my tool cart.....i use it on everything....brake parts,putting back in rusty bolts, etc !!!! does wonders !!!!!

[@cayrick]

Just watched a similar video Eric and the guy put no lube on the bushing. I was wondering wtf and you cleared it up. Thanks!

[@holdendude2626]

I love your vids man, i wait for the vids all during the week.

[@jjnycguy]

Good video. I just recently changed them in my Tahoe and my son's Cherokee. It took about an hour, due to the rust.

[@TheMirageowner]

Thanks for this. I have a similar year vintage CR-V and noticed the clunking noise. So glad it is an easy fix

[@Northropfam]

That Honda rust penetrate he's using in the vid is pretty good.

[@fabiofloripa159]

same problem i have now in 2019 !!! now i know how to fix my crv!! tks!

[@TLKrocks100]

had a clunking sound coming from the front left side and i suspected an engine mount but they look fine keep posting videos of cars clunking one day i will find it lol

[@sdietri22]

Thanks Eric! I replaced the bushings and used dielectric silicon grease. It worked great. But you were wrong about one thing, the bushings were only $9.00.

[@mandehlion9347]

How do you know bushing is petroleum based? Are all of them like that

[@panzerveps]

I always change the bracket and bolts when i change stabilizer bushings. Doesn't cost that much extra, and metal is known to rust or corrode.

[@mattcent]

Thanks for the advise. After less then $12 and an hour of my time, the noise is finally gone. This of course doesn't account for the one year of procrastination. :)

[@jotacalvo]

Good point about the grease vs rubber. The Honda stuff (shin etsu) is very good stuff, but pricey. Synthetic dielectric, like I believe you used, is a great alternative.

[@thelankyjim]

Sadly I don’t think this is my issue...have a knocking/bouncing noise wondering if loose wheel bolts which seems weird not sure why they’d have backed themselves out.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

I just replaced a pair of these on an 03 Element yesterday. $9.48 for 2 genuine Honda bushings shipped from a seller on Ebay.

[@HaroRider03088]

I dislike those black Harbor freight gloves. I like the diamondgrips from Autozone better. Anyway great video Eric, as always.

[@lisatanti5794]

This was exactly my issue. Got cheap parts. My husband fixed it in an hour. Awesome thanks!!!

[@ailll1]

Seems like a very common problem on these. My moms 04 CR-V did the same thing! Changed the bushings and the noise is gone.

[@mandelharvey3429]

Thanks. This looks a lot easier than what I was thinking I had to do. I'm trying this tomorrow. I think you and scotty k should take over car talk on npr

[@jcdyer9827]

I just assumed the thumping was the struts since they had 287k on them. I still had the thumping after changing them. I will go change these next. Thanks.

[@SpyBotxP]

hey eric saludos desde mexicali, mexico solo quiero felicitarte por ese esfuerzo que haces dia a dia para compartir tus conocimientos en videos que a mucha gente asi como a mi nos gustan no hagas caso de los comentarios de personas negativas porque nomas perderas tu tiempo tratando de entenderlos,como tu, yo soy un mecanico pero aficionado porque trabajo en otra cosa, me gusta la mecanica automotriz por conviccion, he visto todos tus videos y espero seghir viendolos por mucho tiempo mas saludos

[@corneliusattenborough3935]

Thanks for this video. Worked perfect for my 2004 Element. We had some squeaking as well, and a replacement of the linkages seemed to do the trick.

[@tmarkk99]

Thank you so much! It was so easy and that noise was bugging me a lot. Found the mfg orig replacement parts locally for $9.

[@ericthecarguy]

They aren't Harbor Freight. A viewer sent them to me to try.

[@asdgmonsfl]

Thanks for the video! I changed rear diff mounts, couldn't find it. Cant wait to try this, I was about to start changing struts.

[@laytonmiller5865]

Also re: 6:09 (direction of the bushing) from diagrams I've seen, you should put the split on the bushing facing backwards, though you may be right that it might not matter.

[@rerawho]

I changed my bushings in a 07’ Element a year before seeing this vid because I read about It elsewhere. The bushings needed replacing but my noise persists. I gave up looking for the source of the noise. But, my bushings are good to go.

[@CreativeNomadTV]

Part number 52306-SCV-000 is mentionned at 5:12 (Rear stabilizer bushings).