Honda Element Suspension Rebuild (Part 1)

After putting a new engine in my 2005 Honda Element, it was time to turn my attention to the suspension. I went all in and replaced the front strut assemblies, rear strut assemblies, outer tie rods, custom rear control arms, and the rear stabilizer bushings. I also replaced all 4 CV boots on the rear axles and put a set of brand new Nokian tires on all 4 wheels.I then had it aligned to help protect the new tires and make sure it tracked down the road straight and true. In my estimation, this is the closest you would get to a brand new Honda Element.
This information also applies to the Honda CRV of the same vintage.
Because of the depth of coverage in this video, I had to split it into 2 parts. However, if you want to see a full version without ads, it’s available to Premium Members of my website here.
www.ericthecarguy.com/honda-e...
Part 2: • Honda Element Suspensi... .
Thanks for watching!
#ETCGVideo #HondaElement #Suspension
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Parts
L Front Strut: 51602-SCV-A04
R Front Strut: 51601-SCV-A04
L Rear Strut: 52620-SCV-A03
R Rear Strut: 52610-SCV-A03
Rear Strut Bolt: 30181-S7A-000
Outer Tie Rods: 53541-S7A-003
Rotor Screws: 93600-06014-0H
Rotor plugs (rear rotors): 42511-SP0-000
Rear CV Boots: 42017-S0E-010
Rear Stabilizer Bushings: 52306-SCV-000
Honda Dual Pump Fluid: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Aerogenics Rear Upper Cont. Arms (code EricTheCarGuy for 10% discount): aerogenicsusa.com/collections...
Aerogenics Rear Lower Cont’ Arms and brace (code EricTheCarGuy for 10% discount): aerogenicsusa.com/collections...
Nokian One Tires 215 70 16: www.nokiantires.com/tires/suv...
Eastwood Chassis Paint: www.eastwood.com/ew-chassis-b...
Tools
17mm 10pt Socket: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Thread Chaser Kit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Bolt Biter Sockets: www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench...
GEARWRENCH Pry Bars: www.gearwrench.com/pry-bars/i...
Snap Ring Pliers: www.mactools.com/products/p22a
CV Boot Clamp Tool: www.jbtools.com/gearwrench-31...
LOCTITE Sticks: www.amazon.com/Loctite-38725-...
Plastic Vice Protectors: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Hand Pump: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Related Videos
Element Video Playlist: • I Just Bought 2 Honda ...
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Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecarguy.com/premium...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
0:00 Inspection
3:55 Rear Suspension Disassembly
7:21 Rear Strut Removal
11:16 Rear Upper Control Arm Removal
12:46 CV Boot Replacement
20:43 Reassembly
25:33 Right Side Disassembly
30:39 Rear Stabilizer Bushings
32:43 Filling the Differential
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®.

[@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.

[@Lentsnh17]

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

[@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. 😉

[@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!!!!

[@gatolibero8329]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@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.

[@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).

[@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]

😂

[@cwright91685]

ROFL

[@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.

[@AcuraAddicted]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Thanks Eric for putting this together! Very helpful

[@CastIrongarage]

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

[@robertspitzer1566]

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

[@roberttaylor7732]

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

[@probochronicles3991]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@joelambriz2015]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

😉

[@andy3233]

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

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

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

[@justinlalugski2083]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@jhuntosgarage]

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

[@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!)

[@motorbikemadness5773]

Nice work, Eric!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Thanks for another great video, ETCG!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for the comment.

[@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.

[@shawnvanderdoes9823]

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

[@dpete8995]

Thanks Eric… made it look easy!

[@adambeforeeve5904]

New mechanic here just taking in all info Eric ! U and Scotty the big dawgs of mechanic YT

[@g0dl355]

Much better, thank you Azizz

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Excellent video!! Thank you so much.

[@Earth29431]

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

[@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.

[@jdhern9078]

Good video Eric

[@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!".

[@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.

[@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.

[@wobblysauce]

Great day when parts fit.

[@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.

[@carpenterek]

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

[@TheDerrty111]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@bigm2446]

he quote's my favorite move. Fifth Element

[@UNEEK_LOGIK]

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

[@arthurfricchione8119]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

You too!🇺🇸

[@Dave.S.TT600]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you for watching!

[@TalosValheru]

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

[@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!

[@rmay.1583]

Great video

[@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.

[@jamesguralski5156]

Great vid

[@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' 🙌

[@paulmachak9853]

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

[@ViperKillerWannabe]

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

[@tymyshoes103]

Technically, I’m laying down! 😂😂😂

[@VBshredder]

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

[@chooch502]

Sorta

[@2810Mad]

The element of surprise

[@mcrande]

Ahhh you watched my documentary thanks 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.

[@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

[@xmoroseguyx]

good work

[@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.

[@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]

😂

[@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.

[@ptroinks]

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

[@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.

[@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 🙏😀.

[@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.

[@michaelfitzgerald1328]

Again, thank you

[@djtunecooficial4962]

thanks for the information i have the same issue i guess i have to do this i am glad to find you video

[@Jupiter7Nonot]

I’m so glad u made a Pokémon reference 🙌

[@WouterB76]

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

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@TheJKDGuy]

If my last mechanic used a bungee cord I wouldn’t have needed a new break line 😂❤❤

[@mcanderson3511]

Just sitting here, eating my dinner too.

[@citruscollins]

Fifth Element quote in a Honda Element video… yup, that’ll do!

[@GHE2005]

Eric, U sure make the job look simple. I'm sure it's not. I wonder how long did the whole job took u to do and cost? I love when u work on ur Element since I hv the same vehicle. 👍🏾 Lastly, I wish I can find a mechanic that's thorough, honest & do an excellent job as u do always! 🤗 Thank u. ✌🏽

[@thelonelywolf88]

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

[@TheJKDGuy]

I love it thank you Eric I need to do this to my 2003 it still runs great but underneath is a horror 💪❤️🙏

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good informative video Eric Got a ton done in part 1 nice work be safe have fun stay dirty and see you on the next one brother @EricTheCarGuy

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@josephneal4858]

Sweet beard piece brother...... It's getting big.... LoL 😂...... Great video man!!!!!

[@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.

[@TJSpartan008]

Not naming any names, Moog! 🤣🤣

[@miguelrodriguez2328]

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

[@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.

[@RobertHancock1]

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

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

Lol Sittin ThereJust Dead Weight. Honest to the point. Made me laugh. Thank you.