In 2002, I worked for Snapple Beverage. Snapple had a line of drinks called Snapple Elements. Snapple provided me a Honda Element to use as a company vehicle to cross promote the Snapple Elements drink line to local beverage distributors. It was such a great vehicle to drive. I am an avid mountain biker and back packer. The Honda Element with its rubber floor was ideal for my hobbies that frequently involved muddy gear. I wish Honda still made the Element. Honda needs to make a new Element to compete with the Ford Bronco Sport.
Wow, that's an interesting story and smart marketing strategy. Honda Element offers a ton of versatilities. Took us a bit to find this gem. Prices are very high due to the high demands but we are so glad to own one ourselves.
I know a married couple who road cycles frequently. They could carry both road bikes in the Element, standing upright, inside without the need for an external bike rack.
@@Patrick94GSR that’s why I still own an element. My daughter has a Honda HR-V. The rear seat bottoms of an HR-V will fold up against the back of the rear seat backs to allow you to put a bicycle in the floor of the rear seat area. I just wish an HR-V had a more powerful engine. The engine is pretty anemic for a Honda product.
These cars are super underrated, I fall in love with them every time I see one haha . Honda was on a roll 2000-2015 , newer cars are hit or miss for me but that generation of cars will always be my favorite
Crazy how simplistic the jobs you guys did can a car run 100 times better. You guys are like the new pimp my ride but better because I can see the work you guys do. I hope I can catch you guys if you stop by Chicago!
Wow nice to see this I have the same car bought it from IAAI auction last year June & has 251K miles & it never disappoints I just did the same maintenance you did in this video.
I have a 2003 Element. It is the best car I have ever owned. In nearly 20 cars - including a few Porsches, Volvo, Audi, Mini and lots of Toyotas and Hondas. My element is amazing. Bought new now has 204,000 miles on it. Struts have been an issue but it might be due to the road conditions where I live - Minnesota. Three sets and need a fourth in 200K. Not awful but not great. Rear anti swaybar bushings… every few years you need to replace those. If you find a good Poly bushing let me know. The Honda OEM rubber ones have been tough to get. The Moog ones are crap. Super dependable. Great size - as noted not the best on MPG but also not as bad as my Audi Q5… The rear seats - they remove in less than two minutes. Reinstall is about as quick. So much more room with the rear seats out. You can remove one or both.
How can you tell if you need rear swaybar bushings? I've got an '07 with about 120K miles on it on my second set of struts, but have never changed bushings.
@@edgarpoe517 good question. When the bushing go bad you will hear a knocking - like a loose bolt from the rear hatch floor of the Element when driving over slightly uneven if bumpy road surface. Look up Eric The Car Guy Element bushings - Eric has a great video on this exact issue. The other thing, which is not an issue with the SC - if you have an AWD Element is a groan or dragging sound from the rear hatch areas - often when Turing on parking garages. That might be low or old rear differential fluid. You absolutely need to change it with ONLY Honda Dual pump fluid. The fluid is what helps activate the rear diff when the car calls for AWD.
@@billcunningham8485 Thanks for the info Bill. I guess I've been lucky (or totally anal about maintenance) but haven't had those issues. I keep my garage fully stocked with a whole complement of OEM fluids. I learnt a long time ago not to mess with aftermarket fluids--dem Honda guys probably know best. 😉
I showed my wife of today’s clip for element sc. I remember back in day we’re debating to get the Element SC or the EP3! We did end up getting the EP3 as it can fit 5 people. Element was such a great car and lots of possibilities! But sadly it was never popular as people can’t stand those black panel on the regular version!
I just take the bit and holder from the impact screwdriver, pop it onto my impact wrench and it makes quick work of the rotor screws. Gets them all the way out in one quick, easy operation.
Another great video, yet a little different from all the other Hondas/Acuras we've seen on here, but quite interesting! Never knew the Element came in the SC model! Thanks for the video!
I don't know if these are available in the UK as I've never seen a Honda Element SC before but they do look well made with plenty of space inside for carrying a load, man those suicide doors were about back in the 1950's I never thought I would see them on a modern car again, nice job on the service guys, looking forward to seeing Brian do his thing on the paintwork 👏🙏👍
Nice Video! I have a 2007 SC in the same color 195,000. Just ordered a Powerstop Brake kit. Funny the different terms for SC my dealer when I bought it new said SC meant Sport Carpet… lol
I had a 2004 ex I thowed my backseat away and never looked bk I bought it used and after 2yrs u had so many issues I had to almost give it away$$$ but the utility if this box is A+
That a very recently replaced battery that came with the vehicle. We might switch to the Oem battery in the near future just to have the factory look. Ps. Interstate produces remanufacture Acura/Honda batteries
Nice acquire. I actually like the updated version of the Element! Doesn’t the auto trans have a filter that should be changed as well??? Keep up the great contents. Looking forward to see more on this car.
Nice choice for a workhorse vehicle for the garage. Just curious, do you guys get a lot of Honda Preludes that come to the shop for work? Would love to see a video/series on the 97-01 Preludes one day!
Something I would be very interested to know if you end up needing to replace any of the suspension components the SC model specifically has unique front struts that are "unavailable" from Honda and almost no aftermarket options are available. Rear suspension currently you cannot buy struts individually(unavailable) but you can get the entire assembly. That's not exactly a good value if all you need is new struts and the SC has specific suspension that if you just use standard Element aftermarket parts, you get a wonky ride height as a result. Pretty annoying that Honda would not have better support for this particular trim.
Just check availability from Honda, complete assemblies are not available. However, front and rear struts individually are available for the Element SC
@@ahcgarage Thanks for the reply. It was my understanding the front struts have been on backorder/unavailable but were not categorized as "discontinued" so if they are currently available that is good news.
Can you guys link me to that tool you found on IG that seems to be better for home hobbies? I have a buddy who works on models and diecast stuff and this would be excellent for him.
For AHC Garage Apparels and Merchandises:
acurahondaclassic.com
Restoring my 2004 Element with 500,000 miles on it. I have had zero problems with it in 18 years. Time again to do this. Great video
Proper maintenance before a long road trip brings peace of mind.
More to come this Saturday
more element content please. love this.
More to come, stay tuned!!
@@ahcgarage Let see some big brake upgrades and suspension vids. always love the content from other videos as well as I am a big honda fan.
Can't wait to see this this continue to get treatment AHC style!
Right on!!
In 2002, I worked for Snapple Beverage. Snapple had a line of drinks called Snapple Elements. Snapple provided me a Honda Element to use as a company vehicle to cross promote the Snapple Elements drink line to local beverage distributors. It was such a great vehicle to drive. I am an avid mountain biker and back packer. The Honda Element with its rubber floor was ideal for my hobbies that frequently involved muddy gear. I wish Honda still made the Element. Honda needs to make a new Element to compete with the Ford Bronco Sport.
Wow, that's an interesting story and smart marketing strategy. Honda Element offers a ton of versatilities. Took us a bit to find this gem. Prices are very high due to the high demands but we are so glad to own one ourselves.
I know a married couple who road cycles frequently. They could carry both road bikes in the Element, standing upright, inside without the need for an external bike rack.
@@Patrick94GSR that’s why I still own an element. My daughter has a Honda HR-V. The rear seat bottoms of an HR-V will fold up against the back of the rear seat backs to allow you to put a bicycle in the floor of the rear seat area. I just wish an HR-V had a more powerful engine. The engine is pretty anemic for a Honda product.
These cars are super underrated, I fall in love with them every time I see one haha . Honda was on a roll 2000-2015 , newer cars are hit or miss for me but that generation of cars will always be my favorite
The Element SC is becoming our favorite model in our lineup
Those are definitely the original pads and rotors. Glad you doing this to keep the boys safe on the road!
That's the plan!!
Oh damn! Y’all found a element! I’m effing excited for this.
More to come!!
Crazy how simplistic the jobs you guys did can a car run 100 times better. You guys are like the new pimp my ride but better because I can see the work you guys do. I hope I can catch you guys if you stop by Chicago!
Thanks a lot!!! We hope to stop in Chicago soon
Wow nice to see this I have the same car bought it from IAAI auction last year June & has 251K miles & it never disappoints I just did the same maintenance you did in this video.
Thanks for sharing
I have a 2003 Element. It is the best car I have ever owned. In nearly 20 cars - including a few Porsches, Volvo, Audi, Mini and lots of Toyotas and Hondas. My element is amazing. Bought new now has 204,000 miles on it. Struts have been an issue but it might be due to the road conditions where I live - Minnesota. Three sets and need a fourth in 200K. Not awful but not great.
Rear anti swaybar bushings… every few years you need to replace those. If you find a good Poly bushing let me know. The Honda OEM rubber ones have been tough to get. The Moog ones are crap.
Super dependable. Great size - as noted not the best on MPG but also not as bad as my Audi Q5…
The rear seats - they remove in less than two minutes. Reinstall is about as quick. So much more room with the rear seats out. You can remove one or both.
How can you tell if you need rear swaybar bushings? I've got an '07 with about 120K miles on it on my second set of struts, but have never changed bushings.
We are looking forward to put some miles on her this weekend, 1700 miles trip to Houston Texas :-)
@@edgarpoe517 good question. When the bushing go bad you will hear a knocking - like a loose bolt from the rear hatch floor of the Element when driving over slightly uneven if bumpy road surface. Look up Eric The Car Guy Element bushings - Eric has a great video on this exact issue.
The other thing, which is not an issue with the SC - if you have an AWD Element is a groan or dragging sound from the rear hatch areas - often when Turing on parking garages. That might be low or old rear differential fluid. You absolutely need to change it with ONLY Honda Dual pump fluid. The fluid is what helps activate the rear diff when the car calls for AWD.
@@billcunningham8485 Thanks for the info Bill. I guess I've been lucky (or totally anal about maintenance) but haven't had those issues. I keep my garage fully stocked with a whole complement of OEM fluids. I learnt a long time ago not to mess with aftermarket fluids--dem Honda guys probably know best. 😉
@@ahcgarage They do much better on the freeway a little loaded down. Short wheelbase can be a little sketch driving when empty on freeway speeds.
T.J. coming in clutch with the screw knocker💪🏾
He sure did!!
I showed my wife of today’s clip for element sc. I remember back in day we’re debating to get the Element SC or the EP3! We did end up getting the EP3 as it can fit 5 people. Element was such a great car and lots of possibilities! But sadly it was never popular as people can’t stand those black panel on the regular version!
Agreed. Yet, their current demands are super high. Some lower mileage Elements are hitting record high selling $$. Check out platform like BaT
I just take the bit and holder from the impact screwdriver, pop it onto my impact wrench and it makes quick work of the rotor screws. Gets them all the way out in one quick, easy operation.
Cheers!!
Another great video, yet a little different from all the other Hondas/Acuras we've seen on here, but quite interesting! Never knew the Element came in the SC model! Thanks for the video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching
they are pretty rare actually, I'm trying to find one like this one, they don't come cheap either
I don't know if these are available in the UK as I've never seen a Honda Element SC before but they do look well made with plenty of space inside for carrying a load, man those suicide doors were about back in the 1950's I never thought I would see them on a modern car again, nice job on the service guys, looking forward to seeing Brian do his thing on the paintwork 👏🙏👍
Yes sir, until this weekend :-)
Nice Video! I have a 2007 SC in the same color 195,000. Just ordered a Powerstop Brake kit. Funny the different terms for SC my dealer when I bought it new said SC meant Sport Carpet… lol
SC Gang Im restoring one this week
Good for you!!
It's a shame we never had them in Europe it's a funky car we had the mpv honda stream a friend of mine is now building a K20 engine in it.
Honda Stream is super cool. We get to see one a while back. Hope the best with your build!!
@@ahcgarage thanks i send some pictures by Instagram DM
Love it! Nice brake job !!!☕️✌️
Thanks for watching!!
I had a 2004 ex I thowed my backseat away and never looked bk I bought it used and after 2yrs u had so many issues I had to almost give it away$$$ but the utility if this box is A+
Agreed!
Mr. OEM!!!! ready for that to be on a shirt lol
Might just be our next shirt idea!!
Got a SC 09. I did the TSX front brake swap.
We might do the same upgrade soon
Mike should put eibach pro-kit springs and 2015 Civic Si wheels on the element to modernize it and give ir a bit of attitude
We are going to keep it stock for now. Might do some enhancements in the near future
Hi!! nice Element!!
It sure is!!!
Cool video guy’s
Thank you!!
I have a 07 sc with 166k well kept and i love it! No coilovers and some customs rims? They look so good!
Right on
Where can you find the air hammer TJ showed?? The attachment looks handy!
The links are in the description
@@ahcgarage 🤔 first place I looked earlier; must’ve gotten edited in after. Thanks though.
The painted panels look way better on the element then the plastics they had
Yes, the SC model definitely gives it a much sportier look vs the regular models
Hi Mike I like what you doing with the honda Element what can you do for my 2012 honda pilot .
Thanks!
I have the root bear metallic ‘08 street custom!
Right on!!
Don't get the catalytic converter stolen on your road trip. Those honda element are hot for that now
We are aware of that. Hope for the best
What would you recommend over Interstate batteries?
That a very recently replaced battery that came with the vehicle. We might switch to the Oem battery in the near future just to have the factory look.
Ps. Interstate produces remanufacture Acura/Honda batteries
I never found of these element hahaha...i think new pilot trailsport is pretty nice if ur a outdoor person
Yeah I agree
Nice acquire. I actually like the updated version of the Element! Doesn’t the auto trans have a filter that should be changed as well??? Keep up the great contents. Looking forward to see more on this car.
Stay tuned for this week episode my friend. You won't be disappointed.
Possible spoiler for the ACH Garage video. Filter? Yes. On my 2003 it is actually an in-line filter. Cheap and easy to replace.
Yes the trans has a filter up front by the radiator. It needs to be changed I think every 30K.
uses the oem torque wrenches but doesn’t use the oem oil filter drain deflector. tsk tsk. looking forward to future episodes.
Could find it at the moment. Life goes on with brake cleaner. Ha!
Nice choice for a workhorse vehicle for the garage. Just curious, do you guys get a lot of Honda Preludes that come to the shop for work? Would love to see a video/series on the 97-01 Preludes one day!
We are hoping to get a good Prelude for our channel in the near future as well
Something I would be very interested to know if you end up needing to replace any of the suspension components the SC model specifically has unique front struts that are "unavailable" from Honda and almost no aftermarket options are available. Rear suspension currently you cannot buy struts individually(unavailable) but you can get the entire assembly. That's not exactly a good value if all you need is new struts and the SC has specific suspension that if you just use standard Element aftermarket parts, you get a wonky ride height as a result. Pretty annoying that Honda would not have better support for this particular trim.
Just check availability from Honda, complete assemblies are not available. However, front and rear struts individually are available for the Element SC
@@ahcgarage Thanks for the reply. It was my understanding the front struts have been on backorder/unavailable but were not categorized as "discontinued" so if they are currently available that is good news.
You guys better install an anti-theft device on the Catalytic converter
Yup!!
Do you happen to have the part number for the SC center console lid?
81131-SCV-L72ZD
@@ahcgarage Thank you!
where is the shop located? how much to do work on my honda element?
South Florida
great video but i will never understand why people paint the entire rear caliper with anti seize it only touches one spot
Can you guys link me to that tool you found on IG that seems to be better for home hobbies? I have a buddy who works on models and diecast stuff and this would be excellent for him.
hototools.com/products/hoto-electric-25in1-precision-screwdriver-set
I loved the SC. Too bad you couldn’t get the SC in AWD.
Agreed!!
🔥💯✌️
Cheers!!
8:26 RIP 🦟
Ha!
coilovers and Vossen HF5 treatment?!?! lol
The team is pushing to do some aftermarket upgrades. We are going to stick with stock, at least for now, haha!!
SUPERCHARGE IT!
I'd jump on a new gen element rather than the cheapy hrv that's just coming out.
Can u send me the part number for the arms rest
81131-SCV-L72ZD
@@ahcgarage thanks!
Best part of Honda and Acura is parts availability…. Good luck finding 12 year old parts from MOPAR
Very true, most of the parts are still currently available
What a waste. Front brakes are goooood. I would just grease some brake parts.
Poor lighting.
Always liked the SC model.. I would’ve gone at least with a 1st Gen Ridgeline to be the workhorse 🫣…
We need lot of interior space for our gears. We thought about Ridgeline but Element was a better choice for us.