I have a 2003 Element and it just hit 47,000 miles. Lately, I have noticed a rattle sound coming from the front end, I think it is related to the suspension system. The car drives and steers fine, but when I drive over small bumps in the road, the rattle shows up.

I think it started when I was driving and heard a strange metal sound, coming from the front end. I only heard the metal noise once, but that's when the rattle showed up. I did not run over anything or hit a pothole.

I was wondering if the Element has shocks and struts, or just struts, or... whatever... in the front end. It looks like a strut inside a coil spring to me.

Anyone know what the Element has in the front suspension, and what this rattle could be?:confused:

Thanks in advance!
adreed24

The Element has McPhereson Strut (sp?) front suspension and double wishbone in the rear. If you have something rattling take it to someone who does front end work and have checked out along with the alignment. If you're a do it yourself guy check it out by trying to get movemet at any place there is a nut, a bolt or a bushing. You may have to jack it up and take the wheel off but if it's making noise you should be able to find something.

I think I am having the same problem, I posted a video in youtube of the noise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa95jrA2lQU) ...does it sound similar to anyone else problem? I've already replaced on sway bar link...could it be stabilizer links?

Verify that the hood prop is latched down, and the catalytic converter heat shield mounting flanges haven't rusted through.

i am having the same problem is the conclusion that is is shocks?

I just purchased a 2009 element ex and I just started to hear that same noise @ Laurenphoto (btw...video was a great idea)...did anyone get an answer yet? I took mine into to Honda and after 2.5 hours they didn't have enough time to find the rattle and I am bringing it back in in Thursday, so they can spend more time locating and diagnosing the problem.... Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, the dealership near me is not making me feel confident in there capabilities.

Open the hood and have a look at the top of the struts. There is a black rubber area there that can crack and then come apart, eventually letting the strut came apart. I replaced those on my 04 and it was way better. But now I have a noise from the bottom end of them, probably the compliance bushings. You can do a search here for those words and get more on those. But the upper strut mounts are checkable in less than a minute.

ever since i bought this car back in february, there has been a rattle in my left side front area, my top 3 guesses are
- something is loose
- my left axle is old and needs replacing
- both.

Sounds like a Strut mount to me. Check the little bushing on top strut mount. Make sure there are no cracks in the rubber piece on top

A one time noise followed by a "rattle" isn't a definitive enough description to narrow down the possible culprit. An indication of the duration and frequency would help.

It it's a metallic, tinny rattle, I wouldn't suspect strut mountings. I'd look at thin metal pieces that could be loose, such as the cat converter heat shield, whose front flanges tend to rust through. When it first cracks through it will first make a buzzing noise during motor braking and low speed acceleration. The noise will get louder, more distinct, and more metallic as the flange completely detaches.

It it's more like a drumstick hitting a non-resonant body part in time with the wheel bounce, a bushing in the suspension could be worn.

It it's more like a lug nut bouncing in a cardboard box, it could the the front strut cartridges.

If it's a clanking or knocking noise from the front suspension while going over bumps, suspect the lower arm compliance bushings (TSB09-023 applies to many models, all years)