It's important for us to have some additional information about your Element!
Just for example, If you have a 2 wheel drive Element, a suggestion that your rear Differential fluid needs to be changed, would be a waste of our time and yours.
However if you have a 4 wheel drive, then it's no doubt the cause of your noise. I know that it does not sound like it a possibility. It would be the first thing to do. Change the duel pump fluid!
It also would help to know what part of the country you live in. That will give us a clue to the ambient air temperature at any given time of the year. It's an important piece of information, when your trying to diagnose an issue, without being able to see and feel the symptoms for yourself.
So fill out your profile!
Thanks
Dom