Replacing just the springs on V12S / V12 AMR Vantage?
Discussion
Short question: is it possible to replace just the spring on the Bilstein adaptive damper units found on V12S and Vantages from 2014-2019? AM main dealers have to replace the entire units.
Longer version: This is the second time it's happened to me with my 2018 V12 Vantage AMR (basically a V12S); a cracked spring. The first time (a couple of years ago), it was replaced as a good will gesture by AM Bristol, even though the warranty didn't officially cover it. That was kind of them as the cost was around £1,750.
Now it's happened again. Went for an MOT at AM Bristol on Friday, and they reported it failed as front one has now gone. The car's passed 17k miles but is driving perfectly (I didn't notice any issues — no problems with steering, bumps or noises).
It can be argued that the springs shouldn't go like this, but the road surfaces are shocking. I can't recall hitting a pothole (no wheel or type damage, for sure) as I spend 99% of my driving concentration on not falling into the craters that litter roads around here. They can easily get to 10cm deep or more with sharp edges.
So it's going back to AM Bristol on Friday for another unit. I decided to not extend the Timeless warranty last October, and I very much doubt it would have been covered this time anyway. The cost, fitted, is around £1,750 fitted. It is what it is and I'm not complaining at the cost per se.
But I can see this happen again. And even more than the cost, I think it's a complete waste to replace the entire damper unit just because the spring has gone. Has anybody managed to get this done by a specialist? I only see this previous related thread on PH: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... . Whereas I would be tempted to replace the system with quality passive dampers, the current setup is so well juged in default mode. I never bother press the button to the ride harder firmer as I prefer to not be bounced into a hedge. And I definitely don't want performance-biased units that queak.
The car remains an absolute "keeper" and I still very much think it's much better value to make use of the car and suck up the maintenance fee than remotely contemplate wrapping it cotton wool
Photo, 'cos hopefully "Jekyll" still offends many on here
Longer version: This is the second time it's happened to me with my 2018 V12 Vantage AMR (basically a V12S); a cracked spring. The first time (a couple of years ago), it was replaced as a good will gesture by AM Bristol, even though the warranty didn't officially cover it. That was kind of them as the cost was around £1,750.
Now it's happened again. Went for an MOT at AM Bristol on Friday, and they reported it failed as front one has now gone. The car's passed 17k miles but is driving perfectly (I didn't notice any issues — no problems with steering, bumps or noises).
It can be argued that the springs shouldn't go like this, but the road surfaces are shocking. I can't recall hitting a pothole (no wheel or type damage, for sure) as I spend 99% of my driving concentration on not falling into the craters that litter roads around here. They can easily get to 10cm deep or more with sharp edges.
So it's going back to AM Bristol on Friday for another unit. I decided to not extend the Timeless warranty last October, and I very much doubt it would have been covered this time anyway. The cost, fitted, is around £1,750 fitted. It is what it is and I'm not complaining at the cost per se.
But I can see this happen again. And even more than the cost, I think it's a complete waste to replace the entire damper unit just because the spring has gone. Has anybody managed to get this done by a specialist? I only see this previous related thread on PH: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... . Whereas I would be tempted to replace the system with quality passive dampers, the current setup is so well juged in default mode. I never bother press the button to the ride harder firmer as I prefer to not be bounced into a hedge. And I definitely don't want performance-biased units that queak.
The car remains an absolute "keeper" and I still very much think it's much better value to make use of the car and suck up the maintenance fee than remotely contemplate wrapping it cotton wool
Photo, 'cos hopefully "Jekyll" still offends many on here
BiggaJ said:
Seems odd this is happening at all let alone twice.
Indeed. I haven't heard of this issue elsewhere. I haven't done an abnormal mileage and am careful to avoid potholes. It does get used in all weather apart from salted roads where I can help it, but it's mainly used in better weather. Nothing a car spring shouldn't be able to cope with... and corrosion of other ferrous metals underneath are holding up.BiggaJ said:
Not sure if it's possible to replace just the spring but feel it should be something that is possible. Have you spoken to David Appleby Engineering? I know they are not main dealer however, they must have some thoughts on this.
Following several private messages mainly following my same post on Facebook, it looks like it's possible, but not done yet. There is one potential good avenue emerging, but I'll still need to get this one replaced with a whole unit this week as I can't wait a month+.I had two dampers that were misting and changed under timeless warranty.
At the time the service manager stated that AM only supply complete damper units with springs, so they replaced all four to maintain the correct ride height.
Hope that you can find a supplier that will supply just the springs.
At the time the service manager stated that AM only supply complete damper units with springs, so they replaced all four to maintain the correct ride height.
Hope that you can find a supplier that will supply just the springs.
SHIFTY said:
I had two dampers that were misting and changed under timeless warranty.
At the time the service manager stated that AM only supply complete damper units with springs, so they replaced all four to maintain the correct ride height.
Hope that you can find a supplier that will supply just the springs.
Cheers! Not had any damper unit issues as such, but given time, that will happen. At which point, the whole unit will get replaced.At the time the service manager stated that AM only supply complete damper units with springs, so they replaced all four to maintain the correct ride height.
Hope that you can find a supplier that will supply just the springs.
I can see the need to change both sides or all 4 after a considerable number of miles or age.
Edited by nickv12 on Monday 24th February 21:44
A left field option could be the Velocity AP lowering springs:
https://www.velocityap.com/product/aston-martin-v1...
https://www.velocityap.com/product/aston-martin-v1...
DBA086 said:
A left field option could be the Velocity AP lowering springs:
https://www.velocityap.com/product/aston-martin-v1...
Really don’t want to ruin the car https://www.velocityap.com/product/aston-martin-v1...
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