If it still has the original shocks/struts under it, I would start there. I didn’t think mine was bad off until I replaced everything. They were pretty spanked. May also consider replacing the springs on the rear to correct the camber angle if needed.

 

i think everything is stock. kyb for struts i'm assumimg?

 

Good luck on the struts. I used to LOVE KYBs but their newer stuff has disappointed me. Def DON'T buy Monroe quick-struts.

Factory parts are expensive but they work the best. My OEM struts have 175K on them and I think they work fine.



Check the rubber bushings on the front trailing arms (forward mount of the lower control arm). Those are often perished or torn. They can be replaced individually, or some folks just buy a control arm.

Make sure the sway bar end links are connected. I've seen two Gen2 Vs and one Element where the OEM links had totally separated and broken away. (When they are like that, at least they don't clunk anymore...)

 

I used Bilsteins on mine. I wanted a stiffer suspension, so I used the 4600 HDs on mine. But they also have original ride replacements too. They cost a little more than some of the others, but I have been very impressed with the quality.

 

So I just did this today. I have a 2006, and upgraded the rear sway bar. No aftermarket seats were available and the oem one is basically like a toothpick. I went online to an oem parts dealer. Majestic Honda maybe, I looked up the same year element since they basically share the same rear suspension. Bought the swag bar from that which is almost twice as thick, to accompany it I bough the bushings, the brackets, bracket bolts, new end links and nuts for those. I couldn’t find anyone that had did this swap so I took a gamble and just installed it hoping it would fit. Well it did and it works amazingly well, as an upgraded sway bar should. So much less rear sway and much better body stability. My car has 110k on the odometer without changing any other suspension component. Total was around $150 for everything shipped. Just be warned the end links that were on the car originally took a lot of persuasion to get off.

 

So you put a sway bar for the same year model Element on? That would be convenient.

 

Yeah 2006 element

 

It has been reported here that the front bar from an Element WILL fit, but some 'fettling' is required. (Look it up)

IIRC, the bushing brackets need to be slotted.