DB11 clunking/rattling on bumpy roads

[Calinours]

2018 V12, 21k miles.

An annoying clunking/rattling has developed, comes from the front end. Happens at slow/medium speeds on poorly surfaced roads where there's a certain series of uniform small perturbations. Like a rumble strip. My immediate thought was suspension bushes as I had that issue on my Vantage, but it's less of a thunk and more of a rattle. Also doesn't do it at all on smoother roads and single bumps no matter how big.

Next thought was front brake pads, so I tested by seeing what happens downhill with brakes applied, I'm maybe 80% sure it's the front brake pads rattling. They've never been changed and are maybe 30-50% worn, I don't tend to drive the DB11 like a loon, it's not really that sort of car. Disks are barely worn.

Before I rush to swap out the pads, has anyone else ever seen/heard/felt this and found that replacement pads sorted it?

Also - any recommendations on replacement pads? I put Pagid in the V8S and no complaints. The DB11 V12 is a little bit over servo-d (you get used to it, I only notice when I jump back in after other cars) so if there are any pads that have been found to improve low speed pedal modulation feel they would be of benefit.

Thanks in advance

[leerandle]

Its very hard to diagnose from the explanation, but I wouldnt expect rattling from brake pads unless they are not secured in properly (So new brake pads probably wouldn't fix the problem). I'm assuming the pins and anti-vibration springs are all ok and secured properly ?

Any chance you can post a video ?

I recently had a creaking noise so appreciate these sounds can be annoying until found (I was lucky that James from DAE diagnosed the noise and I could resolve myself).

[LTP]

Hi Calinours

I'd be really surprised if brake pads developed a rattle (but I could be wrong). I've certainly never had this as an issue in all my years motoring, and the pistons will follow the pads as they wear, so the clearance to the rotor would be about the same. Unless something like an anti-squeal shim or anti-tattle spring (if the DB11 has either) has broken/come adrift.

You should be able to check if it's the brakes, as you have partially done downhill, by a little bit of light left-foot braking so the pads just touch the discs but barely slows the car, keeping the same throttle position so you change as little as possible. If the rattle is brakes-related you should be able to turn it on and off at will over surfaces that induce the noise - a sort of A-B-A test.

Even if this does reveal that the noise can be eliminated by some brake input, it's still possible that something else has come loose or broken that a little bit of brake is then masking. I'd be inclined to get the car on a ramp or stands and either check for loose, rattly bits or get someone to do it for you.

[Calinours]

Thanks Guys

Yeah I haven't really heard or experienced brakes rattling before. What you describe LTP is what I did (on Hardknott and Wrynose passes..) and it did seem to eliminate the rattle.

I wonder if it's shims and pins. Time get it up in the air and wheels off and a good poke around the brakes methinks to learn more. Thankfully it's quite easy to look at the suspension on a DB11 with its Spitfire-esque clamshell.

Edited by Calinours on Wednesday 27th August 20:14