I have a 2004 element,how hard is it to change the struts,any special tools needed? thanks !!

Welcome, Seagrave6.

Service Manual, available from H and A (http://www.handa-accessories.com/elementmaint.html) (scroll down to near bottom of page) and Helm Inc. (http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.asp?Style=&Mfg=AHM&Make=AHM&Model=ELEM&Year=2004&Category=1&Keyword=&Module=&mscsid=XH17U7D4DV0W9JARKEFL2M57XKM1FTNA)

thanks, but the manual cost just as much as the struts,which I have found @ auto parts store for 89.00 monroe. thanks again.

thanks, but the manual cost just as much as the struts,which I have found @ auto parts store for 89.00 monroe. thanks again.

but the manual is worth a lot more than the Monroes.

spring compressor, thats about it, the manual talks about a degree range that the top part is to be aligned upon re-install. I think it is a good idea to change the BEARING, FR. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT when you have the front ones apart, here is a link for the part #9 http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ELEMENT&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD%2CABS%2CSD+A%2FB&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=FRONT+SHOCK+ABSORBER

take the nut off of the tie rod ball joint, get a BIG hammer, hit the strut really hard a few times(not the ball joint, the strut closest to where the ball joint goes into) the ball joint will pop right out.( I know it seams weird, but its an old school trick that works) the shock of the hammer pops the joint out every time for me.

You will have to have it aligned after new front struts.

Hmmm. Let me paraphrase the thinking here:
I don't need the manual. Despite working on a 5-year-old vehicle which regardless of its original fine quality will need increasing amounts of attention, I have this great site where I can ask and, if I wait long enough, I can take up somebody else's time for something I could have found in 30 seconds myself. It'll rarely but possibly be the wrong answer or not quite right, and usually not with the torque specs or any info about order of disassembly, but, hey, I saved eighty bucks.
If you're going to do more than oil changes, buy the manual.

Hmmm. Let me paraphrase the thinking here:

I don't need the manual. Despite working on a 5-year-old vehicle which regardless of its original fine quality will need increasing amounts of attention, I have this great site where I can ask and, if I wait long enough, I can take up somebody else's time for something I could have found in 30 seconds myself. It'll rarely but possibly be the wrong answer or not quite right, and usually not with the torque specs or any info about order of disassembly, but, hey, I saved eighty bucks.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Yeah, and the cost of a service manual is cheap compared to a trip to the emergency room. Anyone who has worked with compressed springs will know what I mean.

Yeah, and the cost of a service manual is cheap compared to a trip to the emergency room. Anyone who has worked with compressed springs will know what I mean.
I got a barely used manual from an EOC member who sold his E...40 bucks...

I've been to a hot springs Paul...does that count?

I agree with RamblerDan in reference to the emergency room visit. You have to know what you are doing when it comes to messing with springs so an investment in a tech. manual is a must. It will pay for itself in labor costs the first time you use it, especially when changing out struts. As a rule of thumb I always purchase a factory manual after each vehicle purchase and they have not let me down so far.:)

Thanks for all of the replies,I replaced them myself with basic tools it was pretty much a straight forward swap nothing too hard, found the manual on ebay for 20.00 bucks. Ride is a lot smoother I used monroes pt# 932-135.from advance auto parts 89.00 each.