DB9 Sport pack - steering column vibration, do you get it?

[Loose_Cannon]

Dear all

One aspect of my DB9 I find a bit perplexing is the amount of vibration through the column over rough surfaces. The absolute worst is that awful high-grip coating that is applied up to roundabouts and is invariably coming off in sheets creating a washboard effect.

I think some other people may have experienced this problem with Sport pAck cars, I don't think I noticed it on the regular cars I test drove prior to purchase, but then I didn't feel it on the test drive I took on the car purchased either.

It really feels most kit-car like and not something one would expect in a car of this class. Is it that "they all do that sir", or could there there something actually amiss with the column linkage or a bushing?

The car has a premium warranty expiring in June and I was going to get the dealer to carry ouit a check of anything that could be claimed on in advance, would this be part of it?

[shuzzy]

Yes, I have a 2007 Sports pack car and it's the same. Like you say its the 'high grip' surface that it's most prominent on. I find they are usually on the approach to traffic lights or a zebra crossing. As it's a very jiggly surface the car vibrates quite noticeably over this surface. I've not driven a non sports pack car, so couldn't comment on them. The sports pack cars do have stiffer springs.

[Squaremeal]

I understand the steering column mounting was revised in later cars to tackle the issue? The answer as always is in Grants superb reference work!

[telum01]

Just to eliminate the simple stuff:
When was the last time you have a 4-wheel alignment?
Is the air pressure in each tire where it should be?
Have any wheel weights come loose?
Are all of your lug nuts tight?

[Loose_Cannon]

telum01 said:

Just to eliminate the simple stuff:
When was the last time you have a 4-wheel alignment?
Is the air pressure in each tire where it should be?
Have any wheel weights come loose?
Are all of your lug nuts tight?

I don't think its anything to do with wheel direction,rotation or fastness, as the rattle is right up the column at the wheel. However I will check the tyre pressures (thought I'd done this but now not so sure).

Its literally on the rough stuff and that PSV50 crap. At its worst the noise sounds like the shaft is slack inside some kind of bush or collar.

[Vergis]

If its an old DB9 probably has gas dampers that were designed for Land Rover.

New DB9s have oil dampers that help considerably.

[shuzzy]

Just to add to my previous post, I recently changed my tyres from the OE spec Bridgestones to Michelin Supersports. The ride has become slightly smoother and the jarring over the rough surface is no longer as prominent. Not a massive difference but definitely better.