Finding and Repairing Rear End Noise Honda Element/CRV -EricTheCarGuy

I've had more than one person come to me with questions about a noise from the rear end of their Honda Element or CRV. It just so happens that my 2004 Honda Element had a similar noise so I decided to investigate. Originally I had thought it was an issue with the rear lower control arm bushings or the upper strut mounts but after talking to my friend Scott Armstrong who also has an Element he convinced me to look at the rear stabilizer bushings. After looking at them I found them to be the source of the noise. I replaced them and went for a test drive to find that the noise was gone. This is a VERY inexpensive repair and I suggest you give it a try if you have a noise in the rear end of your Honda Element or CRV.

Stay dirty

ETCG

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[glenrodrigue]

Excellent video - thank you Eric. The rear clunking on my 2008 Element was beyond annoying, it was like driving a suspensionless vehicle. An easy and inexpensive repair that completely eliminated the noise. BTW - bushing retainer bolts thread into a nut that is tacked onto the frame - one of mine broke free when I was removing the bolt. If this happens to anyone else - the nut is a 15mm.

[christinaandwena]

>That feeling of euphoria when someone else describes the exact problem you are having with the same exact car you have

[unclemike]

I have literally been trying to fix this noise for 10 years on my 2007 Element. No shop ever figured it out. The right rear felt and sounded exactly like you described when I yanked on it. Replaced both bushings and brackets and the thunking sound is finally gone. Best $20 I have ever spent. Thank you!

[emtcfrank]

Thank you very much Eric, I just changed the sway bar bushings on my wife's 2006 element. The repair place said it would be about $175.00 for the repair. The parts cost $9.05 for about 25 minutes . Thank you very much wife very happy.  

[jims]

Thanks for posting this video It solved my rear clunking on my 2012 CR-V! A couple of points though to make the process even easier. There is no reason not to jack up the vehicle, as long as both rear wheels are off the ground. It make for even more space. Also, the cutout of the bushing does need to face the rear. The bushings even have FRONT marked in them so you don't put them in backwards. The bolts on are torqued to 16 ft lbs on the CR-V.

[juliestanley]

Thank you!! I got quoted $100 to fix this plus $50 for the parts. Just bought them on Ebay for $9.89 and I sure I can do this myself. Cheers Eric!

[richardmpp]

fyi, after diagnosing this problem, i ordered the new bushings, since i already had the bushing off i decided to cut an old bike tube up rapping the sway bar and by matching its diameter. then cut to size and reinstalled the old bushing over it. Since no noise when the new bushings arrived I was in no hurry and put them aside, that was three years ago and still no noise. bike tubing seems to work fine. some day will replace the bushing, but for now all is good.

[janicemcclure]

I took my Element to repair shop for engine light and the bumping noise. After $5, 000 worth of repairs the noise was still there. I found your video and ordered the parts, showed the shop owner the video, and he put them on. NO MORE NOISE!!! You are awesome, thank you much.

[jiveturkey]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos Eric. You have helped thousands of Americans save money and learn how to wrench in the process.

[pssst]

When I replaced mine, I used Liquid Wrench on the bolts several times over an
a week, and still had the rusty chassis welded nut snap its tack welds. after tye
the third one snapped I was ready to call it quits and pc have a localmecyanic torch off the spinning free bolts and nuts.

Experimenting, I found that there was just enough room to get a 12 point box wrench over the nuts and afterheating turn with a propane torch, they came free.

I replaced the nuts with corrugated washer flanged nuts and applied antiseize to the threads of the new bolts.

I recommend trying a back wrench to relieve the stress on the welds if you are using hand tools.

I later learned that PB Blaster works better the Liquid Wrench in this kind of application.

[HonestDoubter]

I owe you a beer. This one has driven me nuts for a year.

[reid]

I've had a weird rear-end clunking noise in my '05 Element for the past couple of years. I tried Eric's solution here and it absolutely fixed the problem. I couldn't move any of the four bracket bolts, they were so rusted, so I still had to take it in to a shop to pull them off.  Still, a cheap fix for a long-time annoyance. Thanks!

[Desertratgarage]

Or if you suspect it being the sway bar bushings, remove the mounts and just tie it up and let the bar hang. Take it for a drive and listen for the noise. If it goes away get bushings, if it doesnt keep looking. No need to throw parts at something if your not sure.

[DuncanCunningham]

Before I saw this video I had bought two replacement shocks. I bought the bushings, replaced them like you and now I have less noise from the rear. Took the shocks back. Saved me lots of time and money, thank you

[PdxPinup]

THANK YOU!!! I had the same clunking noise. Took it to three different shops and they all said the rear struts needed replaced. The prices ranged from $400 to $800 from the Dealer. So glad I saw this video and tried replacing the sway bar bushings first. Problem solved. And to think, I would have wasted at least $400 and STILL NOT fixed the Problem! Thanks Eric the Car Guy!

[gsyvr]

Many thanks for this. I had the car at the dealership for routine maintenance, and mentioned the "clunking noise." They looked over the suspension and said everything is in order, and suggested that maybe it's a back seat making the noise. Then I saw your video. Purchased the parts yesterday and installed them on my 2004 Element (I haven't done any repairs on my car since my university days and that was a while ago). Low and behold - the clunking noise is gone!

[musicbones]

THANKS!! Excellent production. Great video shots, angles, focus, etc. Info was simple, to the point, easily understandable. Stage/video presence was great. If all this guy's how-to videos are of equal quality then he is the go-to guy on any issue he presents.

[brianattia]

Thanks ECG. You saved me $200 box from my mechanic.I had similar clunking sound and when I’m checked the stabilizer bar, found out it was the bushings. Got both from Honda for $13 and took less than 30mins to replace. And Booop, it was fixed and sound is gone.

[beachelephants]

if its a 4wd, changing the rear differential fluid will solve the problem. The noise is usually heard when turning at low speeds, (parking)

[crogromphulous]

Great to use the silicone grease to avoid degradation of the rubber bushing, but then also better remember to clean off the liguid wrench before getting it on the new rubber. Also, thanks for this.