DB9 - damping modifications

[hartley]

Is it possible to get a 2006 volante 's ride improved ? Possibly by upgrading to the 2009 set up -or is it not feasible ? The one bug bear I have with the car is that the damping is frankly c----p - I am told the new ones have improved ?

[DSLiverpool]

After picking up my 06 yesterday I agree with you - I have only driven 07 cars and this was a bit of a shock. I hope a mod is available or I will be looking for smooth roads !

[nickco201]

The 09MY had several things changed, I believe there were even modifications to the chassis, so I doubt you could upgrade to MY09 spec, from what I have heard the MY09 is really much better.

[bogie]

of course - get some decent shocks n springs from somewhere that knows what they are doing and any car can be improved

[damianw]

Out of interest, what is wrong with the damping? Is it just set too stiff or is a little more complex than that?

[hartley]

The ride is just far too harsh for what is supposed to be a luxury GT. It feels crude and unresolved - you feel every bump .

[bogie]

you sure you havnt got a car with the sports pack fitted ?

[XXXAngelXXX]

[DSLiverpool]

Hartley I agree 101% - im in love but shocked all the same

May get some 60 profiles on it

[hartley]

bogie said:

you sure you havnt got a car with the sports pack fitted ?

Sports pack would be an improvement - sadly they don't do one on a Volante . Any of you technical whizz kids got any more constructive suggestions ?
The reason I got a Volante ( which I am delighted with by the way ) was the ride was no worse than the coupe but if someone knew how to set the car up properly it would be perfect .

[hartley]

Rick where are you when needed - that's two customers for a fix if DMS can come up with it

[rick-dms-]

sorry guys very busy week, the sportspack is a definite nono, now there three different levels of coil/damper setups for the volante, with the V8 you can fit the later ones no problem, i will make a call in the morning and see whats coming up as just seen a later part number and may be a direct replacement(09 spec), i am always funny about third party setups many are not fully tested and just a copy of the originals, and as the suspension has a direct effect on steering and braking, and as we know some owners can be quite enthusiastic in there driving, there is a very specific reason the sports pack is not available for the volante safety and stability, i will let everyone know if there is a viable upgrade.

[changingman]

I also have a 2006 Volante and lets just say its not the car I thought it would be. The suspension crashes over bumps, the steering seems to make a rumble/graunch when turning when cold, the thing has creaks and rattles everywhere (lefthand side of the dash near the w/screen pillar, the radio console, the seats at the back, the side window rubbers), it has a bearing noise that changes pitch with the engine revs (sounds like an alternator or steering pump bearing) that a main dealer in Surrey tells me is normal even though it didnt do it up until a month ago and refuses to investigate it further. IMO Aston Martin get away with a lot because its such a beautiful looking car, I must say I think mine is a piece of crap.

[rick-dms-]

changingman sorry to hear about your problems but no the noise is not usual and is usually down to one of the idler pulleys,

I am sorry it has been mad today so i have not had chance to look at the suspension improvements but i promise i will,

[changingman]

rick-dms- said:

changingman sorry to hear about your problems but no the noise is not usual and is usually down to one of the idler pulleys,

I am sorry it has been mad today so i have not had chance to look at the suspension improvements but i promise i will,

Thanks for that, idler pulleys, the cars going back on 2nd Apr for the dash rattle and I shall say "idler pulleys" to them and see what they say

[hartley]

changingman said:

rick-dms- said:

changingman sorry to hear about your problems but no the noise is not usual and is usually down to one of the idler pulleys,

I am sorry it has been mad today so i have not had chance to look at the suspension improvements but i promise i will,

Thanks for that, idler pulleys, the cars going back on 2nd Apr for the dash rattle and I shall say "idler pulleys" to them and see what they say

Have to say I have no rattles or creaks yet ( 10k) , gearchange is hard work until it warms up or when in reverse ( I have a manual ) , window sometimes need to be shut again to improve sound deadening at high speed but this is probably just an adjustment thing .It is certainly not as well resolved as a porsche but it sounds like you have been unlucky - how many miles have you done ? If we could improve the ride I would be 100% happy.

[rick-dms-]

hi hartley i presume you have the earlier transaxle oil, there is a later oil which should improve the gear selection, the oil is changed automatically as part of the 3 year 30000 mile service,

[changingman]

hartley said:

Have to say I have no rattles or creaks yet ( 10k) , gearchange is hard work until it warms up or when in reverse ( I have a manual ) , window sometimes need to be shut again to improve sound deadening at high speed but this is probably just an adjustment thing .It is certainly not as well resolved as a porsche but it sounds like you have been unlucky - how many miles have you done ? If we could improve the ride I would be 100% happy.

Cars now done 13500 miles, the creaks dont bother me too much as I've lubed all the rubbers Gummi Pflege and as long as you do it evry 4 weeks or so its ok. Its the rattles that get on my nerves, honestly if you were driving a £300 Fiesta it would be unacceptable. Perhaps if the ride was better then the rattles would diminish or go. I must say at present I am looking to possibly change to an XKR conv.

[LongLiveTazio]

Do it, especially if you want a better ride.

[hartley]

Only do it if you use it as an everyday car . I agree rattles are unacceptable - but you will fix them as they sound unusual - then you will want something special not just competent.To be honest the reason I got the manual was because it was more engaging and even challenging to drive which is what a supercar should be rather than a comfortable efficient relaxing box you use every day - I've got a Lexus for that . The jag looks good and goes well, the current interior is crap but the new one may have solved that and the new engine sounds good so if you use it everyday - maybe - but it won't touch the Aston for the sense of occassion / looks.it's not bad to be honest I'll

Rick - thanks for the info on the oil - it's not a real problem and the change is quite sweet when warmed up so I'll live with it until the service.