[Honda Tech]

Stop sale announced 3/15/10 on '07 - '08 Elements (and Odysseys), soft brake pedal. Recall mailings to start in LATE April 2010 as parts become available. Preliminary information suggests that a condition is occurring when the ABS/VSA modulator performs it's pump test that a small amount of air is getting into the brake system, and will, over time. create a low/soft pedal condition.

Cheers.

 

[jsitar]

Soft Brake Pedal

HondaTech, would it be possible to post what info you have on this site. I just had my VSA modulator and master cylinder replaced last week under warranty and the pedal is still soft. The service tech says they talked to Honda Corp last week and the soft pedal was normal for the 2007-2008 Elements.

My wife has a 2010 Element and the pedal is rock hard. The only difference between my 08 and the 10 is the VSA modulator on the 10 has 57110-SCV-B12and the 08 VSA modulator is 57110-SCV-A12. The part # for the master cylinder is the same for 07, 08, 09, 10. #46100-SCV-A71.

I first reported this problem on 04-23-09 when the E had 5964 miles on it. The Dealer said the operation of the pedal was normal. Second report was 3-11-10. Again after replacing the VSA modulator and master cylinder, the dealer checked with Honda and said this was normal.

On 3-13-2010, I filed a report with the NHTSA. Office of Defects Investigation, ODI Number is 10319408.

I would encourage everyone who has a brake problem with the Element to go to the NHTSA web site and fill out a Defect Investigation Form.

 

[jsitar]

Soift Brake Pedal, 2009, 2010

If your 09-10 Elements have a soft brake pedal, you need to go to , http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm and fill out a Defect Form. It only takes a few minutes and you will receive an email confirmation. If you like, you can forward your email confirmation to American Honda Customer Service as proof that there is a problem with your brakes and that you have reported it to the appropriate authority. I doubt that complaining about it on this site will instigate a recall for 09 and 10 Elements. My $.02.

 

[lizzurd]

Just a thought, couldn't the dealerships just bleed the brakes on the affected cars to reduce the spongy feel until parts arrive? Would that not be a temporary patch for the problem?

It seems like it would be better than not doing anything at all.

We had 2 Odysseys that were sold just as the stop sale order came thru. We were allowed to replace the modulators to get them on the road. Untill the recall parts are shipped to the dealers there isn't an approved repair method that will satisfy the stop sale order other than a possible modulator replacement...And even after that the vehicle will still have to come back to have the recall performed.

 

[Honda Tech]

Service Bulletin 10-017

2007 Element - ALL
2008 Element 2WD - from VIN 5J6YH1...8L000001 thru 5J6YH1...8L015906
2008 Element 4WD - from VIN 5J6YH2...8L000001 thru 5J6YH2...8L018137

the repair procedure is a brake system bleed using the HDS to cycle the front VSA solenoids with the front bleeders loose and a hose from the bleed screws run into a clean jar, followed by a manual (assisted pedal pump) bleed of all 4 brakes.

There are two caps that will be glued over two plugs that seal the sides of the VSA modulator.

No parts replacement, just a "special" bleed procedure with one bottle of Honda DOT 3 brake fluid and the installation of the two plugs using a special Dow Corning Toray SE 9186 White RTV Silicone.

pays a whopping 0.7 time units to the tech.

I'm sure everyone will be thrilled.

 

[Honda Tech]

For the Curious...

Photo of the VSA module:

One of the plugs in question:

The other plug:

After a cap has been installed:

FWIW, if you do not feel any difference in your brake pedal after the bleed procedure (the caps are installed to prevent air intrusion into the system) guess what? Your brake pedal feel is normal!!

Cheers.

 

[Honda Tech]

Just an FYI. I was about to change out my brake fluids until I got a recall notice in the mail. They replace the seals for the VSA module and lines, so your fluid gets flushed out entirely.

Apparantly my posts have become lost to the point of irrelevence in the morass that this thread has become.

The VSA module "seals" are NOT replaced. Plastic caps are sealed over existing plugs on the sides of the module to prevent further air intrusion at the existing plugs.

The brake fluid does NOT get "flushed out entirely". The brakes are bled until "no bubbles are present". The bulletin suggests that this may entail 3 pump/hold/bleed procedures at each front caliper, and up to five procedures at each rear caliper. Each vehicle will have one bottle of Honda DOT 3 brake fluid charged out for the bulletin repair. No vehicle will have the entire bottle of fluid being used during the procedure.

Perhaps a different / separate (and locked) thread within this "recall" forum with only pertinant information for this recall should be created, and this thread, with all it's conjecture and heated rhetoric can be placed in a more appropriate location.

 

[ramblerdan]

Owners experiences moved to new thread.

TSB 10-017 Safety Recall: Air In VSA Modulator-Control Unit Causes Low/Soft Brake Pedal

 

[2008 element]

Would our local Honda dealer be able to tell if this was done on our E? Is it too late to have this completed under recall?

 

[Jeffro]

If you look at the brake thing with the motor on it on the passenger side wheel well, you should be able to tell.

There will be a white silicone rubber material spooged around the plug on the side of it.

 

[ramblerdan]

That data should be attached to your VIN. Check Ownerlink.

Would our local Honda dealer be able to tell if this was done on our E? Is it too late to have this completed under recall?