[Tammy]

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone can shed some light on a problem I am having with my beloved Element. I'm new to the forum, and have done a "search" to see if anyone else has had this problem, but it doesn't seem so. The dealership is also having difficulty finding similar problems with any of Honda's trucks and is pretty much at a loss.

My Element, 2007 LX (I believe, the one with colour key bumpers, the sub and alloy wheels) manual has 59,800 km and has now been in the shop 4 times for a problem with the rear brakes and and 3-4 times for the clutch. The clutch master cylinder has now been changed 3 times for a "squeak". The rear brakes are making a thumping/grinding metal on metal sound after 10 or so minutes of driving. The rear rotors have been machined, but today the dealership changed them out completely, along with the VSA modular-all under warranty. Half a hour after I left the shop, the noise started again. It is NOT rust on the brakes; the noise does not start right away it only starts when the brakes are hot.

Of course, the 60,000 km warranty is almost up, so I need to find this problem.

I live in southern Ontario so our weather is changeable (to say the least) and I live in an area that has a lot of stop and go traffic. We often downshift before braking.

Any insight would be very helpful!
Thanks

 

[ramblerdan]

Welcome, Tammy.

TSB 02-002 addresses the clutch squeak. Make sure your dealer knows about it.

Dunno about that brake noise.

 

[PrimalElement08]

I recently notice a 'low tone' metal grind when I was braking on a steep hill. The grinding sound does not start immediately but only after the brakes are hot from a few 'slow down pumps'. I checked the rotors to feel for any grooves caused by worn brake pads or some contaminants but they seem fine. My E only has 25000 miles on it. What could it be? I checked the safety features listed for the E and it has: Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. Could these features by themselves or in unison be causing the sound? I know what sound an ABS makes when engaged for Toyotas but is it the same in Hondas?

 

[Drop_Box]

Sounds like maybe the caliper's might be out of whack (bent or otherwise)....I'd check there first and make sure they greased the pins properly.

 

[BOXAND1]

Hi,


Hi,
As long as you has filed the report of current issues prior to your 60kmile warranty expiration,you have ''grand fathered'' [so to say] the case.In turn; you can take it in as much as necessary until problem [that was reported prior to expiration] is fixed, as time is no longer a concern.

IDK
Noise after 10 mins,Rotor failures,the obvious issue is too easy of an answer.
Your symptoms all point to it ...Pads! Yup I said it'',brake pads''.This would be the first thing ''looked at'' though.

 

[macmini05]

IDK
Noise after 10 mins,Rotor failures,the obvious issue is too easy of an answer.
Your symptoms all point to it ...Pads! Yup I said it'',brake pads''.This would be the first thing ''looked at'' though.

Agree on the pads. It happened to me (in another car ) a few years ago. Changed the pads and problem went away......

 

[marvin the marshen]

o7 rear brakes

Iv had the rear beark noise for a while , changed the pads ,roters were fine , greased the slider pins you no the hole nine yards, but still the noise was thair, I put up with it for a while then I desided to check them again and this time I pulled my rear rotors and guess what,.. RUST inside the rotor rubing on the surfece ware the rear parking brake shoes rest,even with the brake of I still got the noise, not any more I simply cleaned them and used a compreser and air blower and its fine...

 

[kedsall]

I have the exact same problem with my rear brakes! It's been an issue since about 22,000kms... The dealer just called me and quoted $410 to change the rear rotors... again... They are not even 2 years old and I am a light driver... Needless to say I am picking it up without being charged 90% more than what a rotor installation costs... I just feel as if I'm going to change these ones and the problem will come right back.. All the pads have been replaced with high quality new ones so they should still be good...

Also had the clutch changed once because of squeaking as well...

 

[sedgerton]

2004 Element Brake problems

I also have had problems with my 2004 EX Element brakes. At 40,000 I had to get new rotors and pads. That might not be so surprising given I live in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. The mechanic did not install Honda rotors at that time. After a few thousand miles I began to hear the thumping/grinding metal on metal sound as well. I took it back in and they replaced the rotors with Honda parts. Now, after 20,000 more miles it began happening again, and I was told that the rear rotors and pads need to be replaced again! They are doing it for free, which is nice. But they say they cannot see anything that would explain why this is happening, and it is not normal for cars around here, despite the mountainous terrain and harsh winters. I don't ride my brakes and I've never had issues like this before, so I am doubting it is my driving. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[korey.OMG]

same problem i thought it was a chip that fell in between from the rusted brake or rotor... it only happend to m e 2 times for about a half hour havent heard it in a while tho