I love my Element. I purchased it in February. The only problem is that my radiator has busted 2 times because of rocks flying up on they road, and these aren't big rocks, they are small pebbles pirecing the radiator. I think it is because there isn't any protection for the radiator in the front on the Element. I dont want to keep paying 600.00 to fix this. I have payed for it 2 times in 6 months.

Has anyone else heard of this problem, or is it my luck? I have seen it posted on another board by one other person.

Thanks Guy and Gals,

Eric Jansson

Are you sure it's the radiator? Don't you really mean the air conditioning condenser unit? The only possible way you could have radiator damage from rock strikes is if you had the (very) rare DX without A/C.

I'm making the fairly safe assumption that the damage was in the lower 1/4, with the rocks coming in through the lower grille opening. There is much discussion here about adding a very (VERY!) inexpensive screen using leaf guards intended for household rain gutters.

Look here:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5100

and here:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3803

for more detailed particulars about these "Why didn't the factory fix this?" solutions.

unfortunatly, I do have the rare non a/c DX. I am going to fabricate something so I dont go broke....haha
Thanks for the info.
Eric

Some have been able to use the gutter screens to cover the radiator under the bumper!

89 cents at the hardware store. You may also want to spring for some aluminum window mesh to be put under it to catch the smaller cinder.