Best Struts For Honda Element: 10 Best Choices

If you own a Honda Element, you know its unique, boxy charm and incredible utility make it a truly reliable ride. However, after years of hauling gear or navigating bumpy roads, the original suspension likely needs an overhaul. I recently went through the process of upgrading my own Element’s ride quality, testing several complete strut assemblies to find the components that deliver the best combination of smoothness and durability. Finding the right upgrade is key to maintaining that signature smooth ride, and here are the top 10 choices for the best struts for honda element available on the market right now.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Front & Rear Quick Complete Struts Assembly with Coil…	View on Amazon
	Front & Rear Left Right Complete Strut Spring Shock…	View on Amazon
	TRQ Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Set Driver &…	View on Amazon
	EVERESTWAY Front and Rear Complete Struts Assembly Shock…	View on Amazon
	KUIPERAUTO Front Rear Complete Struts Assembly 171101R…	View on Amazon
	Autoround Front Complete Quick Struts Shock Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Vextone Front Pair Complete Struts Shock Absorber fit for…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 172136 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Set of 2 Rear Complete Strut & Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 172135 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon

Front & Rear Quick Complete Struts Assembly with Coil Springs Replacement for 2003-2011 Honda Element (Set of 4)

This four-piece complete strut assembly is designed for DIYers prioritizing convenience and efficiency. Since these units come fully assembled with the strut, spring, and mount, you bypass the tricky and dangerous job of compressing the old springs. Installing a full set ensures balanced performance across the entire vehicle, instantly improving both ride height and handling stability on your Honda Element.

Key features that stand out:
* Ready to Install: Complete Struts / Shocks Assembly
* Compatibility: Replacement for 2003-2011 Honda Element Front & Rear (EXCLUDES SC MODELS)
* Quality: Brand New Factory Direct construction

Pros:
– Provides a full, matched set for immediate, comprehensive suspension replacement.
– Installation is significantly faster and safer than using component struts.
– Excellent budget-friendly option for restoring OE ride quality.

Cons:
– Specific durability ratings might not be as high as premium brands.

Best for: Complete, affordable suspension restoration for standard Element models.

Expert Opinion: This set is a solid foundational choice if you are experiencing overall sag or bounce on all four corners. It delivers immediate, tangible improvement in ride quality without requiring specialty shop equipment.

Front & Rear Left Right Complete Strut Spring Shock Absorber fits for Honda Element 2.4L 2003-2011 (Excludes SC Submodel), 171101L 171101R 172135 172136-4PCS

Designed specifically for the 2.4L Element, this 4-piece kit is another excellent complete solution for drivers seeking improved safety and stability. The manufacturer highlights improved safety due to increased stability and control, making it ideal for daily commuting or light utility work. The construction uses quality materials designed to endure tough driving conditions.

Key features that stand out:
* Safety Focus: Shocks designed to improve stability and control.
* Complete Kit: Includes 4 Pcs (2 Pair) of Front+Rear Complete Struts Assembly.
* Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting reliability.
* Installation Ease: Quick and straightforward, requiring no special tools.

Pros:
– Offers a smooth and comfortable ride while enhancing control.
– Designed to fit perfectly, minimizing alignment issues post-installation.
– High durability ensures they can withstand long mileage.

Cons:
– You must verify your specific submodel (excludes SC).

Best for: Element owners prioritizing enhanced road stability and long-term durability on a budget.

Expert Opinion: If your primary concern is feeling loose or unstable at highway speeds, the improved handling features of this complete set make it a wise investment among the various best struts for honda element available.

TRQ Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Set Driver & Passenger Sides Compatible with 03-11 Honda Element

TRQ is known for offering reliable OE-equivalent parts, and this front set is no exception. This pair focuses solely on the front suspension, often the first area to wear out on high-mileage Elements. It provides a direct, OE replacement fit, ensuring that ride height and performance return exactly to factory specifications. This is an ideal solution if your rear suspension is still holding up well.

Key features that stand out:
* Set Configuration: Driver & Passenger Sides Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly.
* Direct Fit: Engineered for OE Replacement Suspension.
* Fitment Specific: Highly specific application ensures compatibility (03-11).

Pros:
– Excellent choice for addressing front-end nose dive or excessive bouncing.
– OE-level construction ensures reliable performance.
– Eliminates the need for spring compressors.

Cons:
– Requires a separate purchase if the rear struts also need replacement.

Best for: Targeted front suspension repair and those seeking reliable OE-match components.

Expert Opinion: TRQ is a brand you can generally trust for fitment accuracy. This assembly delivers quick repair power, focusing performance and handling back where it matters most: the steering axle.

EVERESTWAY Front and Rear Complete Struts Assembly Shock Absorbers Compatible for 2003-2011 Honda Element 2.4L,Replace 171101L 171101R 172136 172135

This EVERESTWAY set emphasizes premium construction and ride comfort. Crafted from premium steel and utilizing chrome piston rods, the components are designed to deliver a seamless and quieter ride. The focus here is on minimizing vibration and noise, making long drives in your Element more enjoyable.

Key features that stand out:
* Material Quality: Crafted from premium steel with ample thickness for endurance.
* Smooth Riding: Equipped with chrome piston rods and high-strength springs.
* Noise Reduction: Springs minimize vibration and noise, enhancing stability.
* Simple Installation: No modifications required for reliable replacement.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for improving ride smoothness over rough surfaces.
– The use of high-strength components promises a long service life.
– Direct replacement for key OE numbers, guaranteeing fitment.

Cons:
– While durable, the brand recognition is lower than major strut manufacturers.

Best for: Drivers who want maximum reduction in road noise and vibrations.

Expert Opinion: Based on the feature list, this assembly appears to focus heavily on the internal components and seals, which is critical for maintaining consistent dampening action throughout the shock’s lifespan.

KUIPERAUTO Front Rear Complete Struts Assembly 171101R 171101L 172135 172136 Compatible for 2003-2011 Honda Element 2.4L Replacement Coil Spring Shocks Absorbers (4PCS)

KUIPERAUTO delivers a 4-piece complete kit focusing on superior cushioning and stability across various driving conditions. A standout feature is the material’s ability to adapt to various temperature environments, resisting corrosion from oil, water, and solvents. This makes it an especially good choice for Elements driven in harsh winter climates or areas with significant temperature fluctuations.

Key features that stand out:
* Cushioning Effect: Quickly reduces body bounce and eases road bumps.
* Temperature Adaptability: Material resists corrosion and works stably in various temperatures.
* Quality Control: Factory multi-testing ensures reliability and quality.
* Installation: Bolt interfaces meet OE original design for accurate installation.

Pros:
– Provides better driving comfort and safety in diverse scenarios (on-road, track, light off-road).
– Robust design ideal for corrosive environments.
– Pre-assembled nature simplifies the repair process.

Cons:
– May offer a slightly firmer ride profile compared to standard OE replacements.

Best for: Element owners in climates where salt and extreme weather demand resilient components.

Expert Opinion: When looking for the best struts for honda element, longevity in harsh environments is a major factor. This product specifically addressing material resistance is a huge plus for those who drive their Element year-round through all elements.

Autoround Front Complete Quick Struts Shock Coil Spring Assembly Compatible with Honda Element 2003-2011 Repalcement 172136 172135

The Autoround assembly provides a front pair replacement emphasizing upgraded corrosion protection and quality assurance. Manufactured to OE specifications and ISO standards, this assembly uses a high-strength steel body to ensure greater stability during operation. Autoround positions this as a cost-effective, high-quality solution achieved by factory-direct sales.

Key features that stand out:
* Upgrade: Upgraded corrosion protection for longer service life.
* Construction: High-strength steel body for stability.
* Quality Control: Manufactured to OE specifications and ISO quality standards.

Pros:
– Strong focus on durability and anti-corrosion properties.
– Offers amazing quality at a highly competitive price point.
– Factory-tested for reliability and performance.

Cons:
– Only provides the front pair, requiring a separate rear purchase if necessary.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking an enhanced, durable front assembly.

Expert Opinion: The upgraded corrosion resistance is a practical benefit that can significantly extend the lifespan of the struts, especially compared to basic budget options that might rust out quickly.

Vextone Front Pair Complete Struts Shock Absorber fit for 2003-2011 Honda Element (Excludes SC) – Replacement for 172136 172135 (Set of 2)

Vextone offers a front pair replacement designed for immediate safety and handling restoration. Their complete strut units utilize high-quality steel and application-specific coil springs to accurately restore ride height. A key benefit of Vextone is its specific vehicle-specific design that ensures optimum ride and handling, tackling common issues like unusual noise or instability under load.

Key features that stand out:
* Vehicle-specific design: Ensures the best ride and handling experience unique to the Element.
* Quality Assurance: Strut rods surpass OE flexibility standards.
* Easy Installation: Holes correspond to existing vehicle holes; no special tools required.

Pros:
– Addresses key symptoms of worn struts (noises, leaning, poor control).
– High-quality steel maintains structural integrity during major road impact.
– Quick-Strut design makes it simple for the home mechanic.

Cons:
– Focuses heavily on standard Element models and explicitly excludes the SC trim.

Best for: Restoring critical front suspension stability and handling that has deteriorated due to wear.

Expert Opinion: If your Element is starting to feel “tippy” or difficult to control, especially when loaded, this front pair is engineered to bring stability back to the chassis.

Monroe Quick-Strut 172136 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Honda Element

Monroe is a household name in suspension, synonymous with quality and reliability. The Quick-Strut 172136 (Front Right) offers a premium, ready-to-install solution. The central promise of the Quick-Strut system is a quicker, safer, easier, and complete repair—you don’t need to handle a dangerous spring compressor. This unit is precisely calibrated to meet OE design, ensuring ride height is perfectly restored.

Key features that stand out:
* Premium Brand: Monroe reputation for quality.
* Quick-Strut System: Fully assembled unit, eliminating the need for a spring compressor.
* Ride Height Restoration: Application-specific coil spring engineered to restore OE height.

Pros:
– Highest quality assurance from a leading global manufacturer.
– Guaranteed vehicle-specific design for optimized ride and handling.
– Easiest and safest installation method available.

Cons:
– Represents a higher price point than generic aftermarket brands.

Best for: Drivers seeking premium, guaranteed performance and the easiest possible installation for the front right side.

Expert Opinion: When considering the best struts for honda element, Monroe is the benchmark for quality and longevity. While more expensive, the ease of installation and guaranteed OE performance justify the investment, particularly for the crucial front suspension components.

A-Premium Set of 2 Rear Complete Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Compatible with Honda Element 2003-2011, EX/LX

Focusing specifically on the rear suspension, this A-Premium set is perfect for addressing sag or bounciness in the cargo area. If you frequently load the back of your Element or notice a lower stance, replacing the rear struts is essential. These gas-charged, double-pipe shocks are engineered for durability and reliable dampening, specifically compatible with EX and LX trims.

Key features that stand out:
* Position Specific: Rear Left and Right, Driver and Passenger Side.
* Shock Type: Gas-charged; Double Pipe system.
* Compatibility: Designed for Element EX/LX models (2003-2011).

Pros:
– Excellent choice for load-bearing stability and restoring rear ride height.
– Comes with a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee.
– Gas-charged system provides consistent damping performance.

Cons:
– Only addresses the rear, requiring the front to be purchased separately.

Best for: Owners who regularly carry heavy cargo or want to eliminate rear-end sag.

Expert Opinion: Often, drivers overlook the rear when replacing struts. For a vehicle like the Element, which functions as a capable utility wagon, ensuring the rear suspension is robust is key to maintaining proper weight distribution and handling.

Monroe Quick-Strut 172135 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Honda Element

The partner piece to the 172136, the Monroe Quick-Strut 172135 covers the Front Left side of the Honda Element. Like its counterpart, this unit offers the pinnacle of safety and installation speed. Choosing a branded, vehicle-specific design like Monroe ensures that your Element’s unique handling characteristics are maintained, providing confidence and control on the road.

Key features that stand out:
* Leading Brand Quality: Monroe assurance.
* Complete Unit: Everything needed for front left replacement is included.
* Optimized Performance: Application-specific design for optimized ride and handling.

Pros:
– Guarantees the safest installation process without compressing springs.
– Restores OE ride height and stability instantly.
– High durability and long-term reliability.

Cons:
– High initial cost compared to generic alternatives.

Best for: Pairing with the 172136 to complete a premium, hassle-free front suspension replacement.

Expert Opinion: Replacing the front struts as a matching pair (172135 and 172136) is crucial for balanced handling. The Quick-Strut option provides the quickest path to achieving that balance safely.

Comparison and Buying Insights

Choosing the best struts for honda element often comes down to budget versus brand preference and installation convenience.

For sheer convenience and safety, Monroe Quick-Strut (172135 and 172136) assemblies stand out. They eliminate the need for a spring compressor, which is crucial for DIY mechanics or smaller repair shops. If you prioritize long-term reliability and guaranteed OE matching performance, Monroe is the undisputed premium choice.

If your goal is to replace all four corners in one go while maintaining a tight budget, look toward the 4-piece complete strut assembly kits from brands like Front & Rear Quick Complete Struts Assembly (Product 1) or EVERESTWAY (Product 4). These offer exceptional value and the benefit of a matched suspension system right out of the box.

For those in severe weather regions, the KUIPERAUTO set is worth noting due to its specific focus on material resistance to corrosion and temperature changes. Finally, if you only need to address a specific issue, targeting a pair—like the A-Premium Set for the rear—is a cost-effective strategy to restore load capacity. Always confirm if your Element is an SC model; many aftermarket kits exclude this trim due to its lowered suspension profile.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Stance

When deciding on the best struts for honda element, your choice should reflect your driving environment and mechanical comfort level.

The Premium Choice: Monroe Quick-Strut Assemblies

If budget allows and installation ease is paramount, go for the Monroe 172135 and 172136 paired with quality rear Monroe units (sold separately). These offer the safest installation and guaranteed performance.

The Value Workhorse: Front & Rear Complete Struts Assembly (Product 1)

For the driver needing a full suspension refresh without breaking the bank, the complete 4-piece kits offer the best bang for your buck. They restore the vehicle’s intended stance and absorb road imperfections effectively.

The Targeted Fix: TRQ Front Strut Set

If you’ve diagnosed the problem specifically to the front end (noisy turns, heavy nose dive), using a focused, OE-equivalent front set like TRQ provides a high-quality repair without overspending on the still-good rear components.

Best Struts For Honda Element Maintenance FAQ

Q1: What is the main difference between a complete strut assembly and a bare strut?

A: A complete strut assembly (often called a quick strut) includes the strut, coil spring, strut mount, bearing plate, and boot/bumper kit, all pre-assembled and ready to install. A bare strut is just the shock absorber cartridge, requiring you to manually disassemble the old unit, compress the spring, and transfer components like the spring and mount to the new unit. Complete assemblies are significantly quicker, safer, and easier to install.

Q2: How do I know when I need to replace the struts on my Honda Element?

A: Common symptoms indicating worn struts include excessive bouncing or wallowing after hitting a bump, a noticeable leaning or nose-dive during braking, fluid leaking from the strut body, and uneven or premature tire wear. For the Element, specifically, a spongy feel in the suspension, especially when carrying cargo, is a major indicator.

Q3: Are quick struts as durable as standard struts?

A: In terms of durability, reputable brands like Monroe engineer their quick struts to meet or exceed OE standards. However, some very budget-focused quick struts might use lower-quality ancillary components (mounts or boots) than high-end component pieces. The complete units reviewed here are generally built to OE specifications for longevity.

Q4: Will replacing the struts affect my Element’s ride height?

A: Yes, if your old struts and coil springs were worn or fatigued, replacing them with new complete assemblies that feature precisely calibrated coil springs will restore your Element to its original factory ride height. This is crucial for proper handling and alignment.

Q5: Can I replace just one strut at a time?

A: While technically possible, it is highly recommended to replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear). Suspension components wear out at roughly the same rate, and replacing only one can lead to uneven damping and poor handling, negatively impacting stability and potentially accelerating wear on other components.

Q6: Do these replacement best struts for honda element fit the SC model?

A: Most standard replacement complete strut assemblies (especially the budget-focused 4-piece kits) explicitly exclude the Honda Element SC model. The SC trim utilized a different, lower-profile suspension setup. Always check the fitment notes carefully if you own an SC model; you may need specialized components.