Honda Element. Manual — part 757

Fig. 43: Identifying Steering Wheel Bolt, Horn Switch Connector And Audio Remote Switch
Connector With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

4. Install the driver's airbag, and confirm that the system is operating properly (see DRIVER'S AIRBAG

REPLACEMENT ).

5. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery, and do these tasks:



Turn the ignition switch ON (II); the SRS indicator should come on for about 6 seconds and then
go off.



Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW
CONTROL UNIT ).



Enter the anti-theft code for the audio system.



Set the clock.



Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly.



Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.



Make sure the steering wheel is centered.

STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT
LOCATION INDEX ), and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES )
before doing repairs or service.

REMOVAL

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system.

2. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF, then disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

3. Remove the driver's airbag assembly and the steering wheel (see STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL ).

4. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover (see DRIVER'S DASHBOARD LOWER COVER

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).

5. Remove the column covers (A).

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

Fig. 44: Exploded View Of Steering Column With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

6. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the combination switch assembly and cable real (B).

7. Remove the combination switch assembly from the steering column shaft by removing the screw (C) on

the top of the combination switch.

8. Disconnect the connectors from the ignition switch, and release the wire harness clips (D) from the

steering column.

9. Remove the steering joint bolts (E), then disconnect the steering joint (F) from the pinion shaft and the

steering column shaft.

10. Remove the steering column (G) by removing the attaching nuts and bolts.

11. Remove the center guide (H) (if equipped), and discard it. The center guide is for factory assembly only.

INSTALLATION

1. Install the steering column in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:



Take care not to let the sliding capsules fall out of position during column installation.



Make sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.

2. Insert the upper end of the steering joint (A) onto the steering shaft (B) (line up the bolt hole (C) with the

flat portion (D) on the shaft).

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element

Fig. 45: Inserting Upper End Of Steering Joint Onto Steering Shaft With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Slip the lower end of the steering joint (E) onto the pinion shaft (F) (line up the bolt hole with the groove

(G) around the shaft), and loosely install the lower joint bolt. Be sure that the lower joint bolt is securely
in the groove of the pinion shaft.

4. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated, then install the upper joint

bolt and tighten it to the specified torque.

5. Tighten the lower joint bolt to the specified torque.

6. Install the steering wheel (see STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION ).

7. Reconnect the battery negative cable to the battery, and do these tasks:



Turn the ignition switch ON (II); the SRS indicator should come on for about 6 seconds and then
go off.



Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW
CONTROL UNIT ).



Enter the anti-theft code for the audio system.



Set the clock.



Make sure the horn and turn signal switch work properly.



Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.



Make sure the steering wheel is centered.

STEERING COLUMN INSPECTION

INSPECTION

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element



Check the steering column ball bearing (A) and the steering joint bearings (B) for play and proper
movement. If any bearing is noisy or has excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly.



Check the sliding capsules (C) for distortion and breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the
steering column as an assembly.

Fig. 46: Identifying Steering Column Ball Bearing, Sliding Capsules And Steering Joint Bearings
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

CHECK OF TILTING LOAD

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight-ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach the spring scale to the highest point of the steering wheel, and set the tilting position at the lowest.

3. Pull the spring scale straight up, and read the operation load during tilting.

4. Attach the spring scale to the lowest point of the steering wheel.

5. Pull the spring scale straight down, and read the operation load during tilting.

2007 Honda Element EX

2007-2008 STEERING Steering - Element