DB9 clunk

[Nickcrad]

I am considering the purchase of a 2005 volante. 41,000 miles

All is good except for backlash after engaging drive and a clunk when moving off. Non aston engineer says it is in the driveshaft / rear axle.

Does anyone else have a problem or do db9's all clunk when taking off?

Any help appreciated. Cost of replacing drive shafts?

Thanks

[paulrog1]

Hi,

I have a 2005 DB9 coupe, the car has no clunk when I drive off, plus no backlash when selecting drive (you have to press the brake in). The automatic gearbox moves the car forward when you lift the brake off you then accelerate off. really smooth and no clunk.

Personally I wouldn't go near it, it could be gearbox or drivetrain, both are very expensive to repair.

Hope this helps.

Edited by paulrog1 on Thursday 10th November 19:27

[dbfarmer]

I also have a 05 Coupe Auto 41000 miles and it's silent. No clunk at all. Engage drive and it's away very smoothly. I would walk away if I were you.

[Squaremeal]

Get McGurk or Bamford Rose to do a Pre Purchase Inspection... and negotiate accordingly!

[Big Brin]

Are you sure it's not just that the differential oil needs changing? Can't remember the intervals for this but if it is left unchanged it does get too viscous after time. And although in my past experience, it manifests more as a 'judder', it could be considered a 'clunk'. As has been mentioned above - a decent pre-delivery inspection could identify the cause.....

Good luck!

Rgds, Brin

[abanks]

I have a 2005 DB9 Volante and it definitely has no clunk when moving off - very smooth

[Nickcrad]

Thank you for your responses.

I rather knew it wouldn't be simple. Out of interest is driveshaft replacement something a decent garage can do or does it have to be an Aston dealership?

Has anyone else watched "How it's made Dream Cars Aston Martin Vanquish" ? Watching the drive train be assembled makes repair look daunting! It's on you tube btw.

I think I will be walking away.

[Zuman]

Here's an AM Service Bulletin. Could this be your situation?

SERVICE BULLETIN
To: All Dealers For the attention of: Service Manager/After Sales Manager
Reference SB0299

Issued: 06 August 2009
Model: All DBS, DB9, V8 and V12 Vantage.
VIN Range: All
Subject: Rear Halfshaft and Hub Noise

Reason for this Service Bulletin
Sometimes you can hear a click or a clunk noise from the rear hub of the vehicle when:
• The direction of the vehicle is changed from forward to reverse
• The direction of the vehicle is changed from reverse to forward.
This can be caused by too much movement between the hub and the splines of the halfshaft. If a customer complains about this noise from their vehicle, do the procedure that follows to repair the problem.
Workshop Procedure
1. Start the engine. Note: You will need the aid of one more person for the step that follows.
2. Ask one more person to stand near the rear hub at one side of the vehicle and listen for noises.
3. With the handbrake on, engage first gear, then reverse gear and move the vehicle a very small distance in each direction.
4. Do steps 2 and 3 again at the opposite side of the vehicle.
5. If there is a click or a clunk noise from a hub, do the procedure that follows:
6. Stop the engine.
7. Lift the vehicle and make it safe. 8. Remove the half-shaft from the hub at the correct side (refer to the Workshop Manual Procedure 05.05.AB for the left side and 05.05.BB for the right side).
9. Apply a large bead of Loctite 638 (1) around the splines of the halfshaft (2) at the position shown in Figure 1.
10. Assemble the halfshaft and hub again (refer to the Workshop Manual Procedure 05.05.AB for the left side and 05.05.BB for the right side).
11. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and wait the correct time for the Loctite 638 to cure before you move the vehicle.
12. Lower the vehicle.
Repair Operation Times
Description DB9
Shaft assembly, Rear, LH Remove and Install 0.75 hrs
Shaft assembly, Rear, RH Remove and Install 0.75 hrs

[Nickcrad]

Wow that's an interesting bulletin and it may well be the fault, however, glueing half shafts with locative sounds a bit heath Robinson!

I shall pass it on to engineer. It mentions diagrams any idea where to find them?

Thanks very much for posting that to me.