Knocking noise from rear suspension/driveshaft DB9

[rocketlegal]

Hi,

Just signed up with this forum in the hope that someone may be able to advise what the the problem is with my Aston db9.

Background history, I bought my 2005 model DB9 from a main dealer 18 months ago and I've covered about 3000 miles, the total mileage is now 52,000. Within my ownership I have had a service carried out by the same dealer the cost being £1100.

Shortly after the service a strange knock sound has developed from the rear suspension/drivetrain, this only happened very occasionally when moving off from rest or braking hard. At first I though it felt like a sticking brake caliper so I had my local garage (not the dealer) to check all the calipers and at the same time replace the pads all round (OEM)which were very low, particularly at the rear, anyway car feels great under braking now but the knock is still there! We put up on the ramp and all looks well except for some play in the N/S wishbone? - could this be the problem?

By the way if I drive & brake carefully the knock disappears!

Any advise would be really welcomed.

[yeti]

I had my driveshafts replaced at my last service, car (DB9V) was on about 40k miles.

They are a wear and tear item

[drmw]

If it happens when braking and accelerating it could be something simple like a suspension bush – easy enough check for any garage if up on a ramp.

Having to replace driveshafts at 40k miles (not doubting that is true) is testimony to yet more crap materials being selected by AM

[yeti]

drmw said:

Having to replace driveshafts at 40k miles (not doubting that is true) is testimony to yet more crap materials being selected by AM

It's a 6 litre car that has been driven harder than most, and sits on wider DBS tyres. I thought that was fine, one of those things. Some last much longer.

I'm glad you're 'not doubting that is true'. Slightly odd comment

[rocketlegal]

Thanks for the feedback so far, would like to think its just a wishbone bush, in fact when we looked at it on the ramp there was some movement, just don't fancy taking it to Stratstone and being faced with a 4 fig bill! lol

[mikey k]

drmw said:

If it happens when braking and accelerating it could be something simple like a suspension bush – easy enough check for any garage if up on a ramp.

Having to replace driveshafts at 40k miles (not doubting that is true) is testimony to yet more crap materials being selected by AM

More a testament to Yeti's driving style

[drmw]

yeti said:

I'm glad you're 'not doubting that is true'. Slightly odd comment

I didn't think it odd, but as you raise the point, if I had written the same line without the qualifier, the "ridiculous" bit could have been interpreted as being leveled at what you were saying ie I didn't believe you.

Any other forum I wouldn't have bothered but there is such an excess of bullst written on this forum through rose tinted spectacles about how wonderful AM cars (& indeed some of the owners & drivers) are I wanted to ensure you didn't think I was doubting you.

There - I've gone and done it again

[AMDBSNick]

drmw said:

I didn't think it odd, but as you raise the point, if I had written the same line without the qualifier, the "ridiculous" bit could have been interpreted as being leveled at what you were saying ie I didn't believe you.

Any other forum I wouldn't have bothered but there is such an excess of bullst written on this forum through rose tinted spectacles about how wonderful AM cars (& indeed some of the owners & drivers) are I wanted to ensure you didn't think I was doubting you.

There - I've gone and done it again

Out of curiosity why do you own an Aston and follow this forum

[drmw]

AMDBSNick said:

Out of curiosity why do you own an Aston and follow this forum

I joined the forum about a year ago when I got the Aston because I have an interest in cars in general, mine in particular and I enjoy trying to help others where possible based on my own experiences.

I had several problems with mine which I deemed absolutely awful for a car of its age, cost, history and mileage, regardless of manufacturer. However, given the apparent reputation of the manufacturer (much of which I later discovered is smoke and mirrors) the issues were inexcusable and the attitude of the manufacturer beyond pre-watershed description.

What did and continues to amaze me is the attitude of some other owners blighted with similar issues (due beyond any shadow of a doubt to poor and badly executed procedures, preparation and quality control) who for reasons I cannot fathom are quite vocal in their support for Bez & co and the Gaydon Bubble Cars and prepared to accept these issues and go down without a fight.

Anyway, back to your questions - I got rid of the Aston last month and I shall update my profile accordingly - thank you for reminding me.

[SydneySE]

drmw said:

I joined the forum about a year ago when I got the Aston because I have an interest in cars in general, mine in particular and I enjoy trying to help others where possible based on my own experiences.

I had several problems with mine which I deemed absolutely awful for a car of its age, cost, history and mileage, regardless of manufacturer. However, given the apparent reputation of the manufacturer (much of which I later discovered is smoke and mirrors) the issues were inexcusable and the attitude of the manufacturer beyond pre-watershed description.

What did and continues to amaze me is the attitude of some other owners blighted with similar issues (due beyond any shadow of a doubt to poor and badly executed procedures, preparation and quality control) who for reasons I cannot fathom are quite vocal in their support for Bez & co and the Gaydon Bubble Cars and prepared to accept these issues and go down without a fight.

Anyway, back to your questions - I got rid of the Aston last month and I shall update my profile accordingly - thank you for reminding me.

I have to say in part I agree with you.

I bought the wife a 997 Turbo (06 model) with 38,000miles, FPSH, current (and extendable) Porsche Warranty. To be honest, inisde and out, if you told me it was a 3month old demo car, I would believe it.... we're the 3rd owners. Immaculate car.

By Contrast, I bought a 05 DB9 volante a month later for me as a daily car (near as dammit same money as the 997); also 38,000 miles. In this case, ONE OWNER (who I know personally, and in fact work with).
- seats (drivers in particular) looks the age (no stains/tears) but the creasing and general "wear" is VERY evident
- the alarm intermittently goes off
- the blue tooth doesn't work
- has a number of paint issues (fixed under warranty, but re-appearing)

non- age related:
- requires rear sway bar fitment and shear plate installation to be anything approaching drivable for a car with 450HP (how could they sell a car that gets "loose" at the rear end on a DRY Motorway when you kick down???)
-steering wheel kickback/play

Ok I'm getting it all fixed... re-trim front seats (doing Kahn in interior, as already black/truffle); getting parts re-sprayed (but changing sills and rear bumper to DBS ones); fitting front/rear sway bars myself, but Bamford Rose doing the shear plates. Changing the Steering Rack to DBS (self) and getting Bamford rose to modify & instal switchable suspension.

0f course i stil need to spend time tracing the alarm faults and fixing blue tooth...

I've put on 4,000 reliable miles; driveline is fantastic. Car is beautiful to look at, and interior wonderful (if you sit in the seats and don't look at them).

I actually love the car, hence spending time and £ to get it to the standard it should be... I don't mind doing this to a 2nd hand car; but would've shot myself If i bought this new.

Thats my point, if I ever had to be sensible, it would be the porsche EVERYTIME.... superb build quality. I see Bentley Conti GT's the same... Aston's I see the same as lotus- awsome from a design perspective, but to many corners cut....

Actually to be fair, since the toyota engine, Lotus has transformed, my exige S has has only had one mechanical issue (rubbed through oil cooler line) since new in 2007.

Still the db9 does feel "special" to drive.... and it sounds AWSOME (with fuse 22 removed).. and yes I WILL buy the BR exhaust later in the year.... truth be told, I bought the car on sound and beauty alone...