2008 DB9 - Handling issue in a medium speed curve

[gss11]

I have just bought a 2008 DB9 with full AM service history. I’m the 2nd owner, the car is known , is in a very good condition and there’s never been any crash damage.

I am very happy with the car, however, there is a peculiar handling issue.

There’s seems to be a large tendency for the front of the car to shift to the outside whenever I take (even slightly) my foot off the throttle in a bend. A factual example could be a motorway exit, where if the car is held at a constant speed (80 kmh) and you lift off the throttle slightly – the front end tucks-in at an alarming rate. I say tucks-in, because it feels like this as opposed to the back wanting to step out.
And to be very clear I don't mean in no way over steer, or under steer. The speed is nowhere near enough at a level of having trouble to control the car and loosing grip.
It is more like a steering or a transmission problem.

Did any body else ever experience a similar problem?
If so, is there a fix?


Many thanks.

[TobyLaRohne]

when was the last time the alignment was done would be my first question, if the front wheels have some excessive toe in the front will do exactly what you're saying... similarly if the rear had toe out.

[gss11]

but wouldn't the problem be obvious in a straight line too?

[gss11]

but wouldn't the problem be obvious in a straight line too?

[Neil1300r]

gss11 said:

but wouldn't the problem be obvious in a straight line too?

Not necessarily, unless you know how a decently setup Aston should feel. Was amazed at the differecne a good Geo made to mine. AM dealers don't tend to do geo.

[JACK6284]

Could it be old tyres (5years+) or incorrect pressures?

[gss11]

Just yesterday changed to winter tyres and the problem is still there.
Anyway I am taking the car to the dealer next week. Hope to get some answers.

[ds2000]

Could be alignment, could be a worn component in the suspension - I've experienced similar in a previous (none AM) car and it was the former. It won't hurt to get the full geo checked and setup, it really does make a big difference.

[TobyLaRohne]

gss11 said:

but wouldn't the problem be obvious in a straight line too?

At high speed it'll seem like the car is on its toes, dancing around, but it might not be noticable at legal speeds unless the front end is toed in alot.
An alignment should be your first port of call, dont forget to get before and after printouts too, don't just take their word for it. Any competent place should supply the printouts without you having to ask.

[pschlute]

I had a similar thing with my 2005 DB9 a few years back. Lifting off the accelerator would cause the front of the car to "tuck in" to the left.

£60 for a wheel alignment solved it completely.

Dont bother with a dealer, any decent wheel alignment shop that uses a Hunter machine or similar will do the job while you wait.

Peter

[gss11]

pschlute said:

I had a similar thing with my 2005 DB9 a few years back. Lifting off the accelerator would cause the front of the car to "tuck in" to the left.

£60 for a wheel alignment solved it completely.

Dont bother with a dealer, any decent wheel alignment shop that uses a Hunter machine or similar will do the job while you wait.

Peter

thanks.
will try to go for the alignment asap.
but could you tell me if you had any other handling problems at that time?
because in my case I really do not feel anything being wrong in any other driving condition.

[ds2000]

pschlute said:

uses a Hunter machine or similar will do the job while you wait.

Peter

^^ that is the key; not some dodgy old laser on the front and back.

[pschlute]

I had no other handling issues, just the tuck-in to the left on lift off. After the alignment, not only was this cured but the car seemed more precise in handling all round.

I was given the before/after diagnostics print outs. From what I remember, a number of the settings were out, though not by a huge amount to my untrained eye. It was enough to clearly affect the handling though.

Your car is 2008. It may never have had its alignment adjusted in the last six years. Definitely the first thing to check, especially as it is not an expensive option. The main dealer won't have the equipment to do the job.

Edited by pschlute on Wednesday 10th December 16:01

[KarlFranz]

A bad tie rod or ball joint could also cause problems.

[simonpa]

..or poor rear shocks.

I had my rears replaced under warranty - made quite a big difference!