Honda Element. Manual - part 522

Fig. 36: Identifying Tie-Rod Nut With Torque Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.  

10. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).  

DAMPER/SPRING DISASSEMBLY, INSPECTION, AND REASSEMBLY 

EXPLODED VIEW 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Element

  

Fig. 37: Exploded View Of Damper/Spring With Torque Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

NOTE:

When compressing the damper spring, use a commercially available strut 
spring compressor (Branick MST-580A or Model 7200 or equivalent) according 
to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Element

  

DISASSEMBLY 

1. Compress the damper spring, then remove the self-locking nut (A) while holding the damper shaft (B) 

with a hex wrench (C). Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut. 

Fig. 38: Identifying Self-Locking Nut 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Release the pressure from the strut spring compressor, then disassemble the damper as shown in 

Exploded View.  

INSPECTION 

1. Reassemble all the parts, except for the damper mounting bearing, the upper spring seat, upper spring 

mounting cushion, and damper spring.  

2. Compress the damper assembly by hand, and check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both 

compression and extension. The damper should extend smoothly and constantly when compression is 
released. If it does not, the gas is leaking and the damper should be replaced. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Element

  

Fig. 39: Compressing Damper Assembly By Hand And Checking Smooth Operation 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises, and binding during these tests.  

REASSEMBLY 

1. Install the upper spring mounting cushion (A) on the upper spring seat (B) by aligning the tab portion (C) 

on the cushion with the cutout (D) in the seat. 

Fig. 40: Identifying Upper Spring Mounting Cushion, Upper Spring Seat, Tab Portion And Cutout
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Install the damper spring (E) in the groove of the cushion securely.  

3. Install the damper mounting bearing and damper mounting base on the upper spring seat.  

4. Install the upper spring seat and the spring on a strut spring compressor (A), and compress the spring 

NOTE:

Refer to the EXPLODED VIEW as needed.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Element