If your Honda Element is starting to feel a bit loose or noisy over bumps, you might be looking at the front strut replacement cost for Honda Element. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from affordable options to straightforward DIY steps.
The Honda Element is known for its durability and practicality, but like any vehicle, its suspension wears out. Front struts are crucial for a smooth ride and safe handling. Understanding the costs and process upfront can save you money and get your Element back to its dependable self.
Front Strut Replacement Cost For Honda Element
The total cost can vary widely based on your choice of parts and who does the work. On average, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,100 for a professional replacement of both front struts on your Honda Element. This includes parts and labor. If you’re replacing just one side, halve that estimate, but it’s almost always recommended to do both sides at once for even handling.
Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
* Parts Only (for both sides): $200 – $500. This depends heavily on whether you choose basic OEM-style struts, premium quick-strut assemblies, or genuine Honda parts.
* Labor (Professional): $300 – $600. Most shops charge 3-4 hours of labor for this job.
* DIY Cost: Just the price of parts, plus any tools you may need to rent or buy.
The biggest factors in the final price are the brand of parts and your local shop’s labor rates. Getting a few quotes is always a smart move.
What Makes Up a Strut Assembly?
Before we get deeper into costs, it helps to know what you’re replacing. On the Honda Element, the front strut is a major component. It’s a combination of a shock absorber and a spring in one unit. Its job is to control the up-and-down motion of your wheel, absorb impacts from the road, and support the vehicle’s weight.
A complete “quick-strut” or “loaded strut assembly” includes:
* The shock absorber
* The coil spring
* The spring seat or mount
* The strut bearing (allowing for steering movement)
Buying a complete assembly is often more expensive upfront but saves significantly on labor time and complexity, making it a popular choice.
Cost Breakdown: Parts, Labor, and Options
Let’s look at the part choices you have, as this is where you can really influence the total.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Genuine Honda (OEM) Parts: These are the most expensive, often $250-$400 per side for the strut assembly alone. They offer guaranteed fit and performance but are rarely the most cost-effective choice for an older vehicle.
* Premium Aftermarket (e.g., KYB, Monroe): These are excellent quality and often used by repair shops. A loaded quick-strut from a brand like KYB typically runs $150-$250 per side. This is the sweet spot for most owners balancing quality and cost.
* Economy Aftermarket Parts: You can find struts for as low as $80-$120 per side. While budget-friendly, they may not last as long or provide the same ride quality as the Element originally had. Research brands and reviews carefully.
Professional Labor Costs
Labor is the other half of the equation. A shop will typically book 1.5 to 2 hours of labor per side. With shop rates ranging from $100 to $150 per hour in most areas, you can see how labor adds up quickly. The job involves lifting the vehicle, removing the wheel, disconnecting the brake line and ABS sensor bracket, unbolting the strut from the steering knuckle and strut tower, then swapping components and reassembling. An alignment is absolutely required after this job, which adds another $100 or so to the total bill.
Signs Your Honda Element Needs New Front Struts
How do you know it’s time? Don’t wait until the ride becomes unbearable or unsafe. Look for these common symptoms:
* Excessive Bouncing: After hitting a bump, the front end bounces several times before settling.
* Knocking or Clunking Noises: You hear a distinct “clunk” from the front when going over bumps or uneven pavement. This often points to a worn strut mount.
* Nose-Diving During Braking: The front of the vehicle dips sharply down when you brake hard.
* Uneven or Excessive Tire Wear: Worn struts can’t keep the tire planted properly, leading to cupping or scalloped wear patterns on the tread.
* Reduced Handling Stability: The vehicle feels floaty, leans more in corners, or is generally harder to control.
If you notice any of these, it’s time for a closer inspection or a visit to your mechanic.
The DIY Approach: Can You Do It Yourself?
Replacing front struts on a Honda Element is a common DIY project for a moderately experienced home mechanic. It requires some specific tools and a focus on safety, but it can save you hundreds in labor. Here’s what you need to consider.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
* A reliable jack and sturdy jack stands (NEVER rely on just the jack).
* Basic socket and wrench sets (metric).
* A torque wrench for proper tightening.
* A spring compressor tool (CRITICAL if you’re not using pre-assembled quick-struts). Renting this from an auto parts store is common.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) for rusty bolts.
* Safety glasses and gloves.
The job becomes much simpler and safer if you purchase complete “quick-strut” assemblies. This eliminates the dangerous step of using a spring compressor to transfer your old spring to the new shock.
Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Warning: This is a general guide. Always consult a factory service manual for your specific year Element for detailed torque specs and procedures.
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly before lifting.
2. Lift and Secure: Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the front wheel.
3. Disconnect Components: Unbolt the brake line bracket and ABS sensor bracket from the strut. You may need to gently maneuver the line out of the way; do not strain it.
4. Remove Strut Mount Bolts: Open the hood and locate the three nuts on top of the strut tower. Remove them.
5. Separate the Knuckle: The strut is attached to the steering knuckle by two large bolts. These can be very tight and rusty. Use penetrating oil and a breaker bar. Once loose, remove the bolts and carefully separate the knuckle from the strut.
6. Remove the Old Strut: You can now maneuver the entire strut assembly out from the wheel well.
7. Install the New Strut: If using a quick-strut, it’s ready to go. If reusing your spring, you must use a spring compressor to safely swap it. This is the most dangerous part of the job.
8. Reassembly: Reverse the removal steps. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque them to specification. The top mount nuts and the knuckle bolts have specific, important torque values.
9. Repeat and Align: Repeat the process on the other side. Once both are done, lower the vehicle and immediately get a front-end alignment. Driving without an alignment will ruin your new tires quickly.
How to Save Money on Your Strut Replacement
You don’t have to pay top dollar. Here are some practical tips:
* Get Multiple Quotes: Call several reputable independent repair shops, not just dealerships. Describe the job as “replacing both front strut assemblies with aftermarket quick-struts.”
* Supply Your Own Parts: Some shops allow you to bring your own parts (often with a waiver on the parts warranty). You can shop online for the best deal on known-quality brands like KYB.
* Consider a Mobile Mechanic: Services that send a mechanic to your home can have lower overhead and thus lower labor rates for jobs like this.
* Do a Partial DIY: If the full job is intimidating, you can remove the strut assemblies yourself and take them to a shop to have the springs swapped onto new shocks. This saves on the core labor but avoids the spring compressor step.
* Watch for Sales: Online retailers and local parts stores frequently run sales or offer coupon codes.
FAQs About Honda Element Front Strut Replacement
Q: How long do front struts last on a Honda Element?
A: Typically, 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Driving habits and road conditions play a huge role.
Q: Can I replace just one front strut?
A: Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Replacing both ensures balanced handling and ride height. A new strut on one side and a worn one on the other can make the vehicle pull or handle oddly.
Q: Is an alignment really necessary after strut replacement?
A: Yes, absolutely. Disturbing the connection at the steering knuckle will alter your alignment settings. Skipping an alignment will cause premature tire wear.
Q: What’s the difference between a strut and a shock?
A: A strut is a structural part of the suspension, supporting the spring and affecting alignment. A shock is just a damper and isn’t structural. The Element uses struts in the front.
Q: Are there any other parts I should replace while doing the struts?
A: It’s a great time to inspect and potentially replace the sway bar end links, as they are right there and are a common source of clunking. Their relatively inexpensive.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing how to handle your front strut replacement cost for Honda Element comes down to your budget, mechanical confidence, and time. For most owners, having a trusted independent shop install quality aftermarket quick-struts (like KYB) offers the best balance of cost, warranty, and convenience. The job will be done correctly and include the necessary alignment.
For the savvy DIYer with the right tools, the savings are substantial. Just prioritize safety, especially when dealing with coil springs. Investing in pre-assembled struts is worth the extra part cost for the added safety and simplicity.
Addressing worn struts is not just about comfort—it’s a critical safety repair. Restoring your Element’s suspension will bring back its stable, predictable handling and protect your investment in tires. With a clear understanding of the costs and options, you can make a confident decision and get your trusty Honda Element riding smoothly down the road again for many more miles.