Corroded front splitter support brackets.
Discussion
I bought my 2014 DB9 from an AM dealer in June 19 and I have completed about 1400 miles since then, almost always on dry roads, taking the total mileage to 18700. I recently took the car to a prestige car specialist for its first service since purchase, in order to get an independent opinion on the vehicle condition.
As soon as the large cover panel beneath the engine was removed, we knew we had a problem because of the large amount of rusty debris that fell out. The front splitter o/s support bracket is completely rusted away in places and the n/s is well on its way. The centre support is badly corroded but still structurally sound. I have asked the dealer whether this is covered under the 10 year unlimited mileage Anti Perforation Corrosion Warranty. The response was as follows:
“From the corrosion concern the corrosion inspection/warranty doesn’t cover all items of the vehicle and is specifically aimed toward the structural integrity of the car, chassis and body. Items such as exhaust, brackets, and fixings are expected to overtime to deteriorate and it is a factor of the materials used in these areas. If excessive corrosion is detected we would look to report this to Aston Martin paint and technical along with any advised reworks. “
So the official line seems to be ‘Get over it; they’re meant to rust’. To make matters worse, these brackets are not available in stock from the manufacturer and I don’t yet know what the lead time for a backorder will be.
It seems to me that the tiny gap between the brackets and the underside cover panel has formed a water trap thus causing total failure of the bracket in only 6 years. Has anyone else had this problem? And is there a solution apart from regular inspection and re-painting? I attach some poor quality pictures of the brackets to illustrate the problem.
As soon as the large cover panel beneath the engine was removed, we knew we had a problem because of the large amount of rusty debris that fell out. The front splitter o/s support bracket is completely rusted away in places and the n/s is well on its way. The centre support is badly corroded but still structurally sound. I have asked the dealer whether this is covered under the 10 year unlimited mileage Anti Perforation Corrosion Warranty. The response was as follows:
“From the corrosion concern the corrosion inspection/warranty doesn’t cover all items of the vehicle and is specifically aimed toward the structural integrity of the car, chassis and body. Items such as exhaust, brackets, and fixings are expected to overtime to deteriorate and it is a factor of the materials used in these areas. If excessive corrosion is detected we would look to report this to Aston Martin paint and technical along with any advised reworks. “
So the official line seems to be ‘Get over it; they’re meant to rust’. To make matters worse, these brackets are not available in stock from the manufacturer and I don’t yet know what the lead time for a backorder will be.
It seems to me that the tiny gap between the brackets and the underside cover panel has formed a water trap thus causing total failure of the bracket in only 6 years. Has anyone else had this problem? And is there a solution apart from regular inspection and re-painting? I attach some poor quality pictures of the brackets to illustrate the problem.
This seems to be a common theme. I've been thoroughly going through the underside of my 2009 V8V and taking off any mild steel brackets etc that were poorly protected at the factory and having them powder coated. None are as bad as yours and with a shot blast and powder coat come up better than new.
If you understand that they're there and have a mindset that they will need doing at some point and then just get on with it, it saves the obsolescence of parts that you're now experiencing. Depends whether the car is a keeper as well.
This week's parts were the ABS unit support bracket, front anti roll bar clamps and front brake backing plates. Other bits I've done are the exhaust centre mounting brackets, rear ARB clamps, O2 sensor wiring brackets, rear subframe in full, fuel leak detection canister bracket, wheel arch liner brackets and a few other miscellaneous parts.
Helps that the front and rear suspension has all been dis-assembled of course.
If you understand that they're there and have a mindset that they will need doing at some point and then just get on with it, it saves the obsolescence of parts that you're now experiencing. Depends whether the car is a keeper as well.
This week's parts were the ABS unit support bracket, front anti roll bar clamps and front brake backing plates. Other bits I've done are the exhaust centre mounting brackets, rear ARB clamps, O2 sensor wiring brackets, rear subframe in full, fuel leak detection canister bracket, wheel arch liner brackets and a few other miscellaneous parts.
Helps that the front and rear suspension has all been dis-assembled of course.
Edited by JonnyCJ on Monday 6th July 10:00
It's the powder coating on bare steel that is the problem. Moisture runs underneath and rots the steel, unseen until the plastic coating falls off. The powder coat is a jacket that keeps it all nice and wet; corrosion is worse than no coating. What is needed is to blast clean, plate, and then paint or powder coat for cosmetic appearance.
john ryan said:
It's the powder coating on bare steel that is the problem. Moisture runs underneath and rots the steel, unseen until the plastic coating falls off. The powder coat is a jacket that keeps it all nice and wet; corrosion is worse than no coating. What is needed is to blast clean, plate, and then paint or powder coat for cosmetic appearance.
Totally agree - my powder coaters can do a zinc primer coat first and this really helps protect the steel underneath. My subframe (and BigMig's) was actually a 3 stage industrial process which should last for 20 years in a marine environment.Since my original post, I have discovered that my rusty brackets are in fact "Chin Stiffeners". These small brackets stiffen the front of the engine under tray and the front splitter (items 11, 12 & 13 in the attached schematic). Unfortunately, they get wet and then stay wet because of poor drainage and a lack of airflow, resulting in severe rust, over time. The attached picture shows the condition of one of my 6 year old / 18000mile stiffeners compared to a new one beside it. Based on my experience I would recommend that DB9 owners check their chin stiffeners on each occasion of removing the under tray and that they physically remove the o/s stiffener, each time to inspect the hidden end that is most prone to rust.
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