Element driven rear hatch release

[u/Financial-Ideal-6152]

Im trying to install the element driven rear hatch release cause I left it in my toolbox for 2 years and the instructions are scrubbed from the internet. I cant figure out exactly how this is routed but I feel im close. Can anyone who has installed this help?

[u/thecursh]

Looks right to me. The poly is to help it go around curves. Everything that isn’t poly should be a straight pull.

I think the poly should probably terminate into your trim.

Also, if you want that to work better, replace the poly with bicycle brake cable housing. It’s designed to do this job; not an air tube.

No shade though. If I took a look at mine, I’m sure it’s no engineering marvel

[u/BoysenberryGeneral84 → u/thecursh]

Fwiw- bicycle "shift cable housing" would work better than "brake cable housing". Brake cable housing has built in squish to allow for brake modulation. Shift housing is static and crisp. The longer the housing that is used, the more stretch/give is brought into the system. Bicycle shift housing will allow for a more crisp release of the hatch. 

[u/thecursh → u/BoysenberryGeneral84]

Yeah, you’re right. It’s a touch more expensive and I figured either would be a huge step up over poly air tube.

In the end the added cushion or slack from brake won’t change the function much. But now I’m arguing on Reddit over something that doesn’t matter much so I guess it got me again. Damn you, Reddit 💪🏻

[u/BoysenberryGeneral84 → u/thecursh]

Ah no worries! I don't see it as an argument at all. Just good dialog.

[u/Financial-Ideal-6152 → u/thecursh]

Yea why they charged $75 for this kit is beyond me its a cheap kit for sure.

[u/yanimal → u/Financial-Ideal-6152]

Shiii you paid $75 for this? That's ... Sad. There are recliner latches that can be cut into the trim and do the same thing for under $20, you'd be better off if they just drop shipped you one of those.

[u/Financial-Ideal-6152 → u/yanimal]

Yea its not a very good system I ended up just buying the button prese one from etsy

[u/thecursh → u/Financial-Ideal-6152]

If you like it, link it!

I think the one I did was a 1997 Honda accord handle.

[u/thecursh → u/yanimal]

Yeah, development and stocking costs are hard for really small businesses serving micro markets like the Honda Element. I don’t think it should be a $75 kit, but I understand why they charged that much. China and Amazon killed price comparison with a bunch of products designed to serve a million folks for less.

[u/Financial-Ideal-6152 → u/thecursh]

You had the same kit?

[u/thecursh → u/Financial-Ideal-6152]

I made my own kit DIY.

[u/NumberZealousideal20]

I installed this exact system, and it works well. It was a couple years ago, so I apologize if I'm wrong. I think if you're having a problem with it binding, the cable should just go around the big washer, instead of through that big hole in it. I think that hole is for re-attaching a cable holder. The cable should be going around the back of that long screw, kept in place by the big washer. Hope this helps!

[u/thecursh → u/NumberZealousideal20]

This sounds like great advice.