Fixing Up My Brothers Rusty Element

I recently purchased 2 Honda Elements. One of those Elements is going to my brother. I wanted to fix it up before I gave it to him and in this video I cover that work.
In this video I replace the rear bumper, exhaust system, serpentine belt, spark plugs, O2 sensors, roof rack(s), brake fluid, clutch fluid, manual transmission fluid, rear differential fluid, cabin air filters, engine air filter, pressure test the cooling system, battery test, battery hold down repair, and I add some rust protection to help prevent further corrosion.
There’s a lot packed into this episode. Be sure to watch the entire thing.
Thanks for watching!
#ETCGVideo #HondaElement
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Parts
Exhaust System: www.upsw.com/2005-honda-eleme...
Serpentine Belt: www.amazon.com/Dayco-5070695-...
Manual Transmission Fluid: www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-...
Honda Dual Pump II: www.amazon.com/Honda-Genuine-...
Fluid Pump: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Honda Blue Coolant: www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-...
Drain Plug Washers: www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Washe...
O2 sensors: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Tools
Bolt Biter Sockets: www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench...
Radiator PSI Tester: www.jbtools.com/fjc-43650-rad...
Medtronics Battery Tester: www.jbtools.com/midtronics-md...
Body Clip Tool: www.jbtools.com/atd-tools-857...
Turkey Baster: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Brake Cleaner Sprayer: www.jbtoolsales.com/titan-too...
CRC Brake Cleaner 5 Gallon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Long snap on 17-19: shop.snapon.com/product/Stand...
Long Snap on 12-14: shop.snapon.com/product/Stand...
@MilwaukeeTool Sawsall: milwaukeetool.com/Products/Po...
Honda Oil Drain Deflector: www.bernardiparts.com/Honda-O...
LOCTITE Sticks: www.summitracing.com/parts/lc...
Krown Rust Protectant: www.amazon.com/Krown-Rust-Con...
Related Videos
How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: • How To Prevent Catalyt...
Honda Element Playlist: • I Just Bought 2 Honda ...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[@gordonfreeman5434]

What a blessing to have eric as a brother.

[@MrFastFox666]

"greetings brother, Eric the Car Guy here"

[@jonarmedpiandsecurityoffic9051]

"Hey bro, I snapped an intake bolt off into my head, you mind drilling it out and tapping a new one in? Thx bro it means alot" Said no brother ever 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeanmarcdesilets524]

I love all your video. From Montréal 👍

[@frontlinebandindia]

“Hey look I’m a catalytic converter theif” 😂😂😂

[@CrazyPetez]

I’ve always worked on my own cars as a DIYer. Being a California boy, the rust and corrosion you and Eric O. encounter just blows me away. I enjoyed watching you plow through the Element’s fluid changes, and rust abatement.

[@JTLowry]

Eric: If I am gonna have to fix everybody's cars, you'll gonna drive the same thing so I don't have to think about it too much.

[@Zuiyo1974]

I love this slowly but surely, methodical pace of work. The timing of the video also reflects it. It's relaxing AND educative. Thanks for keeping it up after so many years.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Watching Eric work on cars is always relaxing, his demeanor and attitude is great.

[@RexenPrime]

I really like videos like this, bringing an old vehicle up to speed and making it good again is always great

[@s0nnyburnett]

Makes me feel all good inside and it's not even my car.

[@stryker126]

"I didn't like you anyway, light" had me rolling

[@sirnik84]

I got my dad 92 accord. I'm in the middle of doing a bunch of work to it (including the timing belt with the help of a 10+ yo ETCG video). My dad asked "why are you putting so much work into the car?" Me: "So I don't have to hear from you for MANY miles" HAHA

[@The513Warning]

Lucky man. I remember being in love with those accords when I was a kid. Years later, I'm still in love with them. I actually still see them on the road today. I can't believe I'm the same age as them lol.

[@gzhang207]

Eric is the brother every family wants to have. I like having same model cars within family that makes the repairs and maintenance easier especially when they share common parts. We have three Camry.

[@Perly53]

Gary, that made me think of Southwest Airlines only flying the B737. Their mechanics only need to learn one aircraft. Best wishes.

[@jonarmedpiandsecurityoffic9051]

1 4x4 f150, 1 4x2 f150, both years 2013, a 2015 F250 , 2008 dodge charger, 4x4 Toyota 4 runner, and 2 Harleys

[@NoStress90s]

Really? LoL we have 3 corollas, a 2001, a 2003 and a 2016, a 93 gmc truck suburban, 2000 Tahoe z71 (obs 5.7) 2000 Silverado half ton (nbs) 2003 GMC Sierra 2500hd vortec, 2005 Lexus, 2002 Honda Civic 2 door

[@gzhang207]

We have 98 I4, 99 v6 and 2010 I4 Camry. The 99 V6 was given to us at its 19th year. I can swap some parts among the 98 and 99 Camry and I can shuffle batteries among all three of them. 2010 Camry is for long distance travel and the 98 is for local due to its age. The Japan made 99 v6 drives really well with few problems.

[@coolcat312]

I came back to watch this again after discovering a rusted out rear trailing arm mount on my '04 Element. Couldn't remember if you addressed that or not. I definitely need to do the rear bumper replacement as you did. I took inspiration from your rusted frame repair that you did on your Pilot and I fabricated and welded my own repair on my Element's frame. It's not perfect but I am hoping that it does the job. Just had it in to an alignment shop today and discovered that the toe is out of whack beyond the adjustment range of the eccentric bolt. I guess we'll have to live with that. Thanks for all you've done over the years Eric and please keep it up!

[@sputnick7771]

I think your the moat humblest machanic on the whole inter net and I think you for your hard work!

[@WouterB76]

When watching ETCG video's i am in my element.

[@lorenreyes2855]

Eric, I have no idea why other service technicians always do a half baked job? I really appreciate your Honesty and integrity! Great Video. Your Brother should be extremely proud of you! I decided to service my own cars!

[@stpaff]

I love the outtakes. Makes me feel a little less stupid for putting my hand on something I should already know is freaking hot. 😂😂😂

[@warwickscram5925]

I love these sort of videos. Working on new shiny cars is lame, only rusty old heaps.

[@animeWORLDuser]

Happy to see more Element videos, as an Element owner (love them) this helps me out for those in home repairs.

[@TheSleepingonit]

The blower motor in my Silverado was making a weird sound, ordered one from rockauto. Pulled the old one, found an acorn in it. New one was bad so I took out the acorn and reinstalled

[@corydriver7634]

I’m amazed at the success rate you have with rusted fasters. I couldn’t believe it when the nuts came off the rear bumper.

[@JasonSimonSmith]

Oh my goodness Eric.. can't thank you enough.. about 1.5 years ago, had a R56 Mini Cooper S car - and your content helped me through THOUSANDS in savings repair-wise (mine suffered a failed piston landing). Then now I have a one-owner, dealer-serviced, '03 EX/AWD Element - and AGAIN ! you are saving the day as I spend hours inspecting, and repairing, and refurbishing it throughout for longer life. Cheers mate !! Rock on. Your content means a lot to me.

[@J.AF.16]

Eric, while you were jumping starting, and testing, and charging, AND testing the battery.. I was screaming: "CLEAN THE TERMINALS! THE TERMINALS!" I've learned from your other videos and experience that if you don't have good and clean metal to metal connection on your battery, none of those things quite work like they should.

[@zoidberg444]

I wish we had these in England. I would probably drive one of these if I lived in the states. Very versatile and well designed vehicle. Honda had a knack for it back then.

[@richardsheil5289]

Love the videos like this Its why I subscribed 10 years ago.

[@reedmcginn7787]

I have the same green Element as Eric. That’s how I found him a decade ago too.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Same here.

[@junkname9983]

whoever works on this car after you will love you so much.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Moar Element/CRV content please! Thank you Eric!!!

[@NATESINTERACTIVEAUTO]

What a blessing to have Eric as a teacher!

[@ronwatson4902]

Very generous of you Eric. You are indeed a good man.

[@clifffawcett]

I just bought a 2005 Honda Element and I’ve been binge watching your whole Element playlist. Thank you so much for filming all this, editing it and sharing your knowledge!

[@1MogJon]

The heat and those special sockets made removal of those well rusted bumper nuts a piece of cake.

[@jamespn]

Pocket screwdriver, a mechanics best friend, and it doesn’t need to be a snap on.

[@WMDeception]

Eric, as icing on the cake you should put a 10mm wrench in the rear door along with that emergency oil supply. It's your brother after all :)

[@nicholasclark4079]

Finding that receipt in the glove box was kind of a kick in the gut but like you said you basically have peace of mind now on all the fluids.

[@ratdude747]

They say it was synchromesh fluid... riight. Didn't smell like it!

[@saywhat9158]

What a receipt says was done to get payment does not ensure what was actually done nor that it was competently done.

[@owenkelly1689]

I love the Element content Eric. I am fixing up my beater 03' and this info helps out a lot.

[@BluePlanetDrone]

Eric, your videos have really been a source of knowledge and I’ve learned a lot from them. My 07 CRV and I thank you!! Keep the fantastic Honda content coming! I point so many people to your channel, good stuff.

[@musicmanray1]

you are the man! Invaluable for any element owners out there. Thanks for this!!

[@nakamakai5553]

Eric, amazingly thorough, as always, right down to the correct fluids and all the part numbers. There is no substitute for all your years of experience and hard-won hands-on knowledge. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. This channel is a joy to watch.

[@s4n714g000]

The clear shots good editing and to the point execution, it's another great video. Hope you didn't burn yourself badly on that exhaust!

[@hoilst]

Just wanna say I wish I watched you Honda suspension videos before I did the shocks on my Holden Rodeo. Double wishbones, man.

[@virtualmyles]

I love my Element, and have used eric's videos for reference in the past. Good job.

[@terence123cars]

Eric, I used to watch you in the past. Don't know why I stopped, but I watched you on your brothers Jeep, and now I'm re-Converted. Thanks for a very interesting video, Ill certainly watch again. Kind regards.

[@riceburner4747]

Ur a cool brother/dad! My family would never do anything like that for me. 😉 Glad ur puttn the cat guard on too! I'm sorry ur other was stolen on urs. I installed a miller plate on my '19 prius in my driveway. I'm older than u, but definitely worth it!😁 U & SW Eric are my idols. I liked/subscibed.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@Perly53]

Thank you Eric as always. Great job of getting this Element ready for your brother. I learned auto mechanics from my Dad and his brother (my uncle) back when they co-owned a Shell station in Southern California and mechanic bays were a part of the station. Not like today. Helping family out is a blessing.

[@amourelie.s9564]

Just bought 2005 Honda Element and it runs great! Love watching your videos for future general maintenance.

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Eric, really enjoy these videos👍 Stay Safe👍

[@VBshredder]

Something about this video says "He's hitting his stride again" to me. Well done.

[@commoncents1521]

Eric, you are legend. Been watching for years, thanks for the content.

[@cwright91685]

I’m at 350k miles on my Element and quite a few times, your videos are what I used as a reference for repairing my E. Thanks for taking the time to post this and other videos like it.

[@TheSleepingonit]

It would be awesome to have a brother or friend like you Eric. I can do some stuff but you go higher than my limits

[@pashko90]

Don't forget to pay him for his job. I HATE peoples who called me only when they looking for some free repairs. No more free repairs.

[@TheSleepingonit]

Beer

[@paulschab8152]

I remember doing the bumper reinforcement on my 05 MDX. When I put the new one in, I sprayed fluid film all over it to keep the rust off.

[@rwan230]

Nicely paced video. Great job!

[@sebastianholmes5020]

The catalytic converter theif part had me dead. Victim of that 2 times, second time the were caught in the act. So now it sits in my room!

[@restlessjack0042]

Glad to se these Element videos, they are awesome!

[@jimmycool9265]

He ain't heavy, he's my brother! Good job and good brother!🤗

[@christophheinrichs7396]

again a good nice video to learn a bit from otherone,thx for made. hope your brother blessed you

[@Mellchior]

It’s so satisfying seeing you correct mistakes made in prior services. That’s a happy Element again.

[@5haun1]

Thanks Eric. Always learn something. Wish you were my brother!

[@mafno9524]

Great stuff, Eric. Keep up the good work.

[@kenneth801]

Amazing video for me as a 04 crv owner. Especially amazing camera work at 24:52 breaking the corroded nuts off the studs!

[@nak4651]

As usual, Eric, first rate video and narration. When I grow up, I want a vehicle lift like yours!! Oh yes.

[@avsararas]

When I moved from Ohio to S. California, I almost cried once I got in the junk yard to get some undercarriage parts for my old car.

[@TheDerrty111]

I ENJOY WATCHING ERIC VIDEOS HANDS DOWN THE BEST!!!!!!!

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric happy Easter 🐣 I always enjoy watching your wonderful videos love that you go the extra mile for your brother I do the same for my brother I am from South Africa

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy Easter to you too!

[@TheJohnnyef9]

Very impressed how you managed to remove the rusted nuts off the rear bumper. I have a 90 Civic I recently changed out the rear bumper that sad to see rusts away like that Element one. Watched this video as am looking to buy an Element in the future.

[@stevelozano9523]

I love these elements cause all the room they have especially rear seating area.

[@andysteward8617]

Thank you for your channel, your skill, and your voice sir

[@petecurran3995]

Awesome victory against those fasteners, Eric! 👌🏻🔥

[@613lcd]

I'm grateful to have my Honda element 06, I bought it in 06 and put over 323,000 miles on it.....still love it👍👍

[@ericward8010]

I appreciate your expertise. I do none of this work myself...same mechanics for 25 yrs in Norwalk CA.

[@josedasilva8924]

Loved it! Thank you for your hard work.

[@alanwheelock1460]

Love your vids Eric. Getting ready to adj valves on my o5 j35.weather is getting nice have a great Easter

[@DanaHarripersad3350]

18:25 - 18:50 As a technician with Valvoline’s Canadian counterpart (Great Canadian Oil Change), I find this hilariously ironic. As a rookie car guy? Mad props on the vigilance of doing the work anyway... and, in equal measure, my sympathies for the unneeded work. Always sucks finding that out. 😅

[@melodicdreamer72]

Great video for sure. Those hot things get me too. I always say "hot potato, hot potato" when they do, and that would be pretty often.

[@Lordosvk]

Great repairs. Thank you so much. Cheers from Europe .

[@uuwalnut]

Always enjoy your channel Eric!

[@vvjkumar]

Great channel. As an owner of a 2006 CRV lots of useful information. Just subscribed.

[@Dcs-Brasil]

Nice to see u working. Great video!

[@MxGRhythmlModsMusicGamingl]

You just taught me a new way on removing one of the oil filters

[@ronrawald3245]

Another Great video. Thank you, Eric.

[@louisfredgagnon]

Great videos! I am restoring some parts on my 2009 Acura TSX, almost the same as the element (k24z3 2.4l engine). Following, keep up the good work eric!!!!

[@shenanesse]

You take really good care of the elements you have!

[@kawasabi1]

Thanks for the video, I have a k engine in an old civic and I like all the Honda specific maintenance tips.

[@andrewlack5984]

I to have a element. As a mechanic and a home owner this thing awesome never once had to borrow a friend's truck. I put the CRV rear shocks and springs and used the element tophats for a lift. And I toed out the front alignment specs a bit and it really helped with it getting pushed around on the highway. IT is still a box lol.

[@intelbot]

Another great job done by Eric.

[@WCSPete1]

Excellent stuff Eric. Thanks.

[@jamesterrill1938]

Very good information not anyone else I have seen goes to the trouble you do.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Hey, Eric- thanks for the video!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Oh sweet more elements Awesomeness 👌 @EricTheCarGuy

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

New exhaust system is Super Nice @EricTheCarGuy

[@rusty6666]

Woo that was hot i bet Eric but look at it this way your brother will be very happy with his new ride nice work my friend ...take care stay safe.

[@Amerikanskis]

it seems like a lot of KZbin mechanics i watch don't mind Hondas, which makes me feel better for owning a few. not that much better though, because I'm just now learning how to do good maintenance myself. So far eric, eric O from SMA, and david from car wizard all seem to not mind especially manual Hondas. I wouldn't mind snagging one of these elements for its last leg in life.

[@johnverbsky3033]

Love your posts....even moreso now that I know you are an element guy ...I have four...three manuals and an automatic.

[@throttlebottle5906]

on the steel plugs in aluminum, I hold hand tension with breaker bar, then smack just below my hand with dead blow hammer, the shock force knocks them loose easily. it doesn't hurt to give the plugs/bolts a few wraps with ball peen first(careful to not peen the tooling hole smaller size). this alone saves huge headaches on breaking, stripping or puling threads. ** this comment is about steel drain and fill plugs in aluminum differential housing and manual transmissions. NOT spark plugs **

[@The513Warning]

Thank you. I'll be giving that a try. One of the previous owners of my Civic used Autolites (I believe they're steel or some sort of metal that typically doesn't do well with aluminum) and it's in there pretty good. It squeaks like mad. I've been using fuel additives too, im case it's just carbon but I will be giving this a try.

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@The513Warning the comment was about the steel drain and fill plugs in aluminum differential housing and manual transmissions, which have gear oil behind them keeping the threads lubricated. they're generally just stuck on the flat metal sealing gasket. this was NOT meant for spark plugs, they need a whole different approach depending on the head, spark plug type, thread depth and diameter and how much carbon buildup there is. there's a ton of different techniques depending on engine and spark-plugs.

[@TheLuisg92]

Whoever serviced that car before didn’t give a cent about doing things properly. Fortunately Erick caught it and fixed. Any of that could have caused big issues in the future. Is terrible to know that some places don’t care about doing stuff the right way and they just hand the car down to indifferent customers that just assume everything is right.

[@spunkmire2664]

O2 sensor: me at screen “push Eric push, there ya go” lol

[@pirihern9329]

Info always useful . Always appreciated. Stay safe paz y salud = peace and good health

[@escondidonative2903]

I know I’ve said this a million times in the comments but damn I wish I had a lift. Clutches would be such less of a pain.

[@TheAlignmentGuy_TM]

Some home lifts are not that expensive. If you plan to work on your own car frequently and throughout your life, they're not a bad purchase: MaxJax, Quick Lift, or a low rise scissor lift.

[@escondidonative2903]

@@TheAlignmentGuy_TM I have a set of quick lifts. They are way better then jack and jack stands. I just don’t have the space for a four post. I can make due just fine I’m just envious or jealous of Eric and all his tools.

[@rezagrans1296]

wOww respekt fur effurt still my laD;)

[@koolcat78956]

I use corroseal on my rust areas. Did a few small rear frame spots before they have a chance to get worse. Suppose to convert the rust to inert

[@buddyharshaw9140]

Love Honda’s they are easy to work on and build awesome video

[@jejemola]

Great video, you are a honda master, regards from spain🇪🇦

[@ledsled01]

Excellent video. I hope your bro does something nice for you.

[@jjgrowjjeffries]

Love this video! Motivates me to go through my E and give it a good ETCG treatment