DB9 Steering/Tyre Issue

[The G Kid]

I've got an issue with what I think is the steering on my DB9, which seems to be getting worse. At first, at low speeds, when manoeuvring with anything more than about 1/4 lock, there was a feeling of something catching on the front wheels (like something rubbing againt the tyres). The issue now seems to be happening at even less lock now, but never at normal driving speeds. It also doesn't seem to happen when reversing, just when going forwards.

All four of my tyres are cracked, in particular between the treads. I don't believe it to be a tyre issue, but am getting them changed replaced today anyway. I'm hoping when I pick the car up later the problem will have been resolved, but I think that uis probably wishful thinking!

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[zvezdah]

new tires and four wheel alignment, check tire pressures

[BravoV8V]

Is it a 'juddering' feeling, coming through the steering when manoeuvring at slow speeds?

[The G Kid]

Thanks for the prompt replies!

zvezdah said:

new tires and four wheel alignment, check tire pressures

I'm hoping it could be sorted when I pick the car up in a few hours. I checked the tire pressures previously. One of the fronts seemed to be down at 17, but sorting this didn't seem to make any difference, and have since checked the pressures a couple of times and they are still at the correct levels (and the issue is still there).

BravoV8V said:

Is it a 'juddering' feeling, coming through the steering when manoeuvring at slow speeds?

Yes, but it's quite subtle (i.e. the wheel isnt shaking in my hands!

I should also add that the problem started after just over 2 weeks of the car not being driven.

[BravoV8V]

The G Kid said:

Yes, but it's quite subtle (i.e. the wheel isnt shaking in my hands!

In that case, it's probably a case of TADTS!

My V8V has done it in the past. Something to do with the power steering pump not quite being up to the job on full lock. Do a search on here; you will probably find lots of other cases.

I don't think it will be anything to do with your tyres (and certainly not the tracking) but if all of your tyres are cracked, they definitely need changing anyway.

[hashluck]

BravoV8V said:

In that case, it's probably a case of TADTS!

My V8V has done it in the past. Something to do with the power steering pump not quite being up to the job on full lock. Do a search on here; you will probably find lots of other cases.

Mine (V8VS) did this today parking at work. First time it has happened to me

[AMDBSNick]

hashluck said:

Mine (V8VS) did this today parking at work. First time it has happened to me

What, work

[hashluck]

AMDBSNick said:

What, work

No, nothing like that, I don't come to work to work for goodness sake

[The G Kid]

BravoV8V said:

In that case, it's probably a case of TADTS!

My V8V has done it in the past. Something to do with the power steering pump not quite being up to the job on full lock. Do a search on here; you will probably find lots of other cases.

I don't think it will be anything to do with your tyres (and certainly not the tracking) but if all of your tyres are cracked, they definitely need changing anyway.

I did think TADTS might apply, but the fact that it started after 2 weeks of inactivity made me think otherwise. Plus it now happens when only 1/4 turn of the steering wheel is applied. Sometimes it almost feels like the road is grooved and there is vibration from the tyres rubbing agsinst those grooves (if that makes any sense at all!)

I found some similar-ish cases by searching but most seemed sufficiently different in terms of what was happening.

The fact that it only happens when going forward makes it more puzzling.

[The G Kid]

New tyres doesn't seem to have made much difference.......

[roughrider]

Power steering fluid level???

[The G Kid]

roughrider said:

Power steering fluid level???

That is something I'd thought of. Needs a new window seal to be fitted in next couple of weeks so will ask them to check it. But I'm half thinking "noise" might be coming from the back...... Or maybe I'm just being paranoid!

Still loving driving it a speed, though. Get a bit of a twitch when accelerating hard and changing from 1st to 2nd, but presume that is very normal!

[pschlute]

My 2005 DB9 does this when cold. Only judders when on more than half lock at slow speed going forward. When run for a bit it does not appear again.

I think there is a fix involving new power steering fluid hoses.

[Blackfeather]

I have had this too. HWM had it in for a service and they said it was due to the diff oil being slightly low. They topped it up and hey presto it is back to normal.

[The G Kid]

Thanks for the replies.

pschlute said:

My 2005 DB9 does this when cold. Only judders when on more than half lock at slow speed going forward. When run for a bit it does not appear again.

I think there is a fix involving new power steering fluid hoses.

Blackfeather said:

I have had this too. HWM had it in for a service and they said it was due to the diff oil being slightly low. They topped it up and hey presto it is back to normal.

Will look into both of these. It does happen when warm, and i'm beginning to think it may have something to do with the diff so will ask them to check the oil.

[The G Kid]

Blackfeather said:

I have had this too. HWM had it in for a service and they said it was due to the diff oil being slightly low. They topped it up and hey presto it is back to normal.

Seems to be some fluid dripping (only a small amount) rear left just inside the wheel. Possibly diff oil?

[The G Kid]

Blackfeather said:

I have had this too. HWM had it in for a service and they said it was due to the diff oil being slightly low. They topped it up and hey presto it is back to normal.

Just heard back from my AM dealer. The above was a spot on diagnosis (many thanks). Cost is approx £90 to sort.

The dripping I had noticed on my drive was completely unrelated. It turns out the brake caliper was leaking fluid over the pads. Dealer wont let me have the car back as too dangerous to drive. Luckily all covered on the warranty. However parts will take at least a week to arrive, but at least saving money on fuel this week!

Would be nice to have some trouble free motoring once it's back. Had 5 trips to the dealer since purchase in May!