Use the reinforced pinch-weld points along the rocker panels as the primary lifting locations, with the front and rear subframe crossmembers serving as central lift points; always secure the vehicle on jack stands after lifting.
Jacking a Honda Element safely requires identifying factory-approved points and using proper equipment. The Element’s chassis is designed with designated lifting zones for routine maintenance, tire work, and light suspension tasks. This guide explains where to place a floor jack, how to support the vehicle, and outlines essential safety steps and common pitfalls to avoid.
Primary jacking points on the Honda Element
Before using a jack, locate the reinforced contact areas that are built to carry the vehicle’s weight. The following points are commonly used on most Element models and years, but always cross-check your owner's manual for year-specific specs.
- Front center jack point: The reinforced front subframe crossmember located just behind the bumper. Place the floor jack under the crossmember’s center and lift slowly, keeping contact on metal rather than delicate components.
- Rear center jack point: The rear subframe crossmember under the rear axle area. Position the jack under the center of this crossmember for rear lifting, ensuring the pad sits on solid metal rather than exhaust components or fuel lines.
- Left and right side pinch-weld points (rocker panels): The reinforced spots along the rocker panels near the doors. These are designed for lifting with a jack or placing temporary supports; use a wide pad to avoid indentations and avoid lifting on plastic trim.
When using these points, ensure the vehicle is on a flat, stable surface and use wheel chocks on the opposite end to prevent movement. If you are unsure about a point, refer to the owner's manual or a service manual for your specific year and trim.
Step-by-step: safely lifting and supporting an Element
To perform work safely, follow a controlled lifting sequence and use stands to support the vehicle after it’s raised.
- Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels on the opposite end to prevent rolling.
- Position the floor jack under the chosen jack point (front crossmember center for front work, rear crossmember center for rear work, or a pinch-weld point for lifting a corner). Ensure the jack pad has full contact with the metal surface.
- Slowly raise the vehicle until the wheel is just clear from the ground, then stop and check alignment and stability of the jack and pad.
- Slide jack stands under appropriate structural points near the lifting location (e.g., pinch-weld stand points or subframe supports). Ensure the stands are on a flat surface and securely bearing weight.
- Lower the vehicle partway onto the stands, then gently remove the floor jack and verify stability before fully performing work.
- Once work is complete, recheck all connections, remove tools, and slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
Following these steps helps ensure the Element remains stable during work and reduces the risk of injury or damage. Always tailor the approach to your year and tool availability, and never rely on a jack alone to support a vehicle.
Important cautions and tips
It is critical to avoid lifting from non-reinforced points, including the plastic undertray areas, exhaust pipes, suspension arms, or fuel lines. Always confirm your lift points with the owner’s manual or a dedicated service manual for your specific year and trim. If you do not have the correct equipment or experience, seek professional help to avoid injuries or damage to the vehicle.
Summary
For a Honda Element, the safest jacking strategy centers on the reinforced rocker-panel pinch welds as primary points, complemented by center crossmembers under the front or rear subframes for center lifting. Always use a floor jack on the correct points, deploy jack stands, and secure wheels with chocks on a level surface. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a dedicated service manual for precise locations and procedures for your model year.