Honda Element Exhaust Repair

(you can replace the entire exhaust system as well): amzn.to/40XrTvD
Parts used on this 2007 are available below.
Flange Kit:amzn.to/3sDZ6k5
Spring Bolts: (Removed pending a better alternative)
Gasket: amzn.to/2Xa5nRN
Exhaust Sealant: amzn.to/35Mvodm
Flat Flange kit: amzn.to/3jSraHf
Tail Pipe: amzn.to/339ITUJ
Entire replacement exhaust: amzn.to/3g9kXqd
Also Available- EPA Catalytic Converter: amzn.to/3baZoDC
Stainless Steel Muffler: amzn.to/3cpqSW9
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@tfak6976]

I have watched many, many online videos about how to do car work. Some of them are easy to follow, some of them are hard to follow. Some of them are informative, others are just not. I found your work to be clear, concise, informative and downright enjoyable to watch, entertaining even. Thank you and I hope you are getting paid for this in some way. At the very least know that you have helped myself and many others with home repair of our exhaust problems.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you! I always appreciate hearing from people who have gotten value by watching my videos. Some save money, or time or even keep their car on the road. I am super lucky in that a breakdown on one of my cars doesn't mean it's time for despair, it means time to make another video! Thank you again for your kind comments.

[@GetMikeNyce]

This video is so well done ! Thanks Just bought an element today

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you! These car really respond to care (we've had ours since new in November 2006) Keep up on the maintenance and they last a long time. Be sure to see my other Honda Element videos about brakes and fluid changes. Alden

[@DraugrGrog]

Went out to my Element this morning to find this exact problem. Rusted in the exact same spot. Thanks for posting this.

[@regalt1987]

did this same repair about 5 months ago... its solid

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Excellent! Ours is still holding up great. And quite the price difference from what a muffler shop wants for it!

[@pssst3]

The Element doesn't use spring bolts between the muffler and tailpipe. It has a flat flange connection because it doesn't need to flex. It exists only to make it possible to install the exhaust with the rear suspension in place. The kit used there should have been installed at the end of the pipe after removing most of the original flange. All exhaust system flanges need gaskets to prevent high temperature corrosive exhaust gases from leaking and accelerating the destruction of the CRS flanges.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

No kit reversals here. You are thinking of the stock exhaust from Honda. These are both generic aftermarket repair kits. They both came with spring bolt setup. Truthfully, if I had to do it again, I'd go for a stainless cat-back system. (not even sure if they make such a thing.)

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic job sir thank you

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Glad you liked it!

[@BlackPartyFilms]

Those guitar rifts are life

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you!

[@mattfoley6082]

My tailpipe rusted off behind the muffler. Surprising how loud it is after the muffler. Not awful but noticeably louder.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

When it happened to us, the noise was intrusive, but I was more concerned with the exhaust fumes getting in the car. I replaced the rear pipe section right away.

[@mattfoley6082]

@@FlashDriveFilms Agreed the fumes are the bigger problem. I'm just saying that I assumed louder exhaust = leak BEFORE the muffler.

[@ansondesimone5928]

Good video . Question did that seal up in the front ? It looked like there was no seal for the conv. Or it was so worn away I could not see it . But to let it like that and bolt it together it looked like it would really leak exhaust out.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thanks! There was still some gasket material left. At around 6:40 or so you can see the sort of black gooey stuff in the rear connector portion. That said, I do recommend using some exhaust sealant if there is any doubt about the seal. (link in the description)

[@Mcdonaldmartin]

My 2007 element has the exact issue with the rear tailpipe. I thought something in the suspension was rattling and one I looked at it found the tailpipe completely rusted off just like in your video. In the video you suggest using different spring bolt (longer). What length would you suggest? The ones I have seen online are mostly 1.5 inch.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

You would really only need about 3/8" or so longer. Too much longer and it may hit against the rest of the pipe. For the longer bolts behind the catalytic converter, I went to Home Depot (or Lowes, I forget) and bought some plated ones. No need for stainless, but the extra length made getting the connector together so much easier. Hope that helps.

[@Mcdonaldmartin]

@@FlashDriveFilms it does. Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

[@rocs209]

For the cat converter flange repair, is there no gasket that goes between the new flange and the old one?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Yes, there is a gasket that fits inside the flange. (you can kind of see it around 6:54 in the video) I did not replace mine so I didn't mention it. The links to the repair flange sometimes suggest gaskets or sealers in their listings. I'll have to look some up and include them. Thanks!

[@yamata45]

Do you have any links to the vendors/places you bought the tailpipe and other parts from?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

The upgraded bolts, "Everbuilt" brand came from the hardware aisle of Lowe's. The first flange kit, #36132, I bought online, I think Amazon, but not sure, (and not an endorsement !) The 2nd kit, 31953, was from a local "Mom & Pop" autoparts store. The Exhaust flange kits were by Wagner, and here are all the part numbers:35129 bolts, 31566 gasket, 36132 flange kit, 31953 flange kit. Definitely shop around, prices were all over the place. I can't endorse any one vendor over another. Best of luck. Alden

[@dennisng8]

if you could link the kits that use to repair the element that would be great.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Well I bought mine at the local Advance Auto after looking online. But I don't know that they are the only ones that carry them, and I don't know if they have the best prices, so I am reluctant to make a direct link to anyone. I do know they were both made by Walker, but I don't have the part numbers handy. And I always advocate shopping around for the best price/convenience. Alden

[@ajch1153]

Could you please tell me what brand is the high heat temperature prevent rusty can ? Thank you

[@FlashDriveFilms]

I used a paint called Dupli-Color DH1602 High Heat Ceramic. Rated 1200 degrees. Dupli-Color DE1613 High Heat for 500 degrees would probably work as well for the muffler. The really high temperature stuff is really for headers and catalytic converters.

[@navimer]

Do you have a link to where I can order that 2-piece flange?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

I've added the links to the parts used into the Description.

[@navimer]

Ah, shame on me for not noticing:) thanks!

[@richardsponholz9617]

I am working the exact problem - could you identify the kits and where did you get them - thanks

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Hi! All the parts have links in the description. Hope this helps!

[@richardsponholz9617]

@@FlashDriveFilms Thank you

[@jameswilliams663]

No gasket needed on the second flange repair?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

I did not use one. There was enough of the pipe back from the catalytic converter that it sleeved very nicely into the mid-section pipe. There did seem to be a gasket, or sealing type material still present and the joint connected firmly when I drew the two pieces together. Depending on how far gone the joint is, you may need a new gasket at that point. Alden

[@chasehawes7770]

Is there a gasket for the connection to the cat section?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Yes, although on mine it was still intact enough that I didn't replace it. You could also use a tube of exhaust sealant around the outside of the pipe for the same sealing effect.

[@elizabethbaker9568]

I need to know what are the 2 bolts that bolt the exhaust and that whole exhaust line motor there's 2 bolts and mine are gone and Noone knows what bolts they are

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Hi! I'm not sure which 2 bolts you are in need of. The flange kits either come with their own bolts, or you can get upgraded ones like I used from a hardware store or online.

[@ryanpham3308]

What size exhaust clamp would I need for this fix?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

The rear clamp is 2" and the forward one, on the catalytic converter, is 1 7/8". (Affiliate links in the description for the exact parts I used in the video.)

[@mattfoley6082]

Why did you choose that flange for the front instead of using the same type you used for the back? I used the first type for my cat flange. I agree it was a huge pain to compress the springs to get the bolts on.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Diameter. The two different types were to fit two different pipe diameters. If I could have found them both in the correct sizes, (2" for the rear, 1 7/" for the front), in the time constraints I faced, I would have done that. I agree the version I used on the cat flange was far more user-friendly than the one on the rear section. Alden

[@mattfoley6082]

@@FlashDriveFilms I wish I'd had longer bolts for the cat flange like you used. Even with springs compressed with my vise grip I could fit only about 1 turn of the thread through the flange hole, just enough to get the nut started. Unlike you I had to replace that 31378 gasket. But I can't complain much about the job because the Honda dealer where I take it for inspection had told me I needed a whole new exhaust system. Nice try, Mr. Dealer but I'm not spending over $1000 when I don't need to. Everything is fine now after I replaced the flange and gasket. Only thing is my cat heat shield rusted off but that shouldn't affect inspection. I don't plan on parking over dry grass so the hot cat won't start any fires.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

@@mattfoley6082 Yes, the longer bolts are really the way to go. I also think the original bolts & nuts are not very good quality, so stainless, if I can find them in the right size, or at least the plated grade 5 or higher. Did you save the heat shield? Same thing happened to us, but I went to Home Depot and got a 7" hose clamp (Stainless !) They are in the plumbing section (they look like a really long radiator hose clamp), but meant for dryer vent hose. I unwound the screw part to separate it, threaded it over the cat and made a sort of vertical belt around the cat & the shield. Tightened it up. Works perfect, Heat shield in place and functional, no expensive new cat needed! Alden

[@mattfoley6082]

@@FlashDriveFilms Unfortunately the heat shield was taken by the rust gods. A new one is pretty cheap but I'm not getting one unless required.

[@mattfoley6082]

@@FlashDriveFilms My tailpipe-to-muffler flange rusted out about 4 years ago. Had a shop cut off flange and weld in a connector. Now it's rusted at the connector, right at one of the welds, tailpipe is hanging loose from muffler. Disappointing I got just 4 years out of it. Can't decide if I should a) do the same again or b) short connector and clamps or c) replace entire tailpipe as you did. Wonder which will last longer.

[@skatefish0418]

How well has the cat fix held up?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

So far, perfectly. It's been a little over a year and no issues. That said, for obvious reason, we haven't put the usual number of miles on the car, maybe8-9,000 miles since then.

[@skatefish0418]

@@FlashDriveFilms excellent glad to hear that

[@GetMikeNyce]

Just got my muffler pipe and the repair flange bolts wil not fit the holes I the muffler flange ! Anyone find a longer , better fitting bolt / springs for the muffler flange ?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

OK, if you bought the bolts through the affiliate link in the description, definitely return them for a refund. I am curious as to which flange they did not fit. Also, were they the wrong diameter, or the not long enough? I found I got good results with some zinc-plated bolts I bought at Lowes for the catalytic converter flange.. All of the parts listed worked on my project, (a 2007 Element) but if there are variations that are not compatible, I'd rather leave those recommendations off. Thanks for the heads up! Alden

[@GetMikeNyce]

Drilled it out

[@Straight0uttaCrofton]

those Colecos'll rust up on ya / =