Brake parts and suspension replacements - recommendations?
Discussion
The health check done by a respected Specialist on my recently acquired 2007 DB9 coupe, showed only 3 items for attention:
OSF damper spring platform wet
Front brake discs slightly corroded on inside plate
Rear brake pads 60% worn.
The specialist said that none of these require immediate attention (there were zero advisories on the MOT done in June - 1,000 miles ago) and can be looked at again when the next service is done.
When I do get these attended to, is it recommended that they need to be replaced by an AM dealer/specialist or can they be done by a competent, top reviewed garage?
OSF damper spring platform wet
Front brake discs slightly corroded on inside plate
Rear brake pads 60% worn.
The specialist said that none of these require immediate attention (there were zero advisories on the MOT done in June - 1,000 miles ago) and can be looked at again when the next service is done.
When I do get these attended to, is it recommended that they need to be replaced by an AM dealer/specialist or can they be done by a competent, top reviewed garage?
It's probably less the fitter than the parts. My 07 DB9 needed new pads all round and I chose Pagid. Terrible choice; they squeal like pigs and leave dust everywhere. So the only recommendation I can add is not to use those. On shock absorbers, there was a leaky one and a decent local garage replaced it without problem - except that you have to use an Aston part so it's about £800.
Agree with the above, but would also add that I would generally change things in pairs or as a complete set. I.e. if you had a broken spring or damper, change at least both sides of the same axle. Otherwise you’ve got one that is xxxx miles and years older than the other, and likely the other side won’t be far behind. You’d also want the same performance at least across that axle. Rather than one fresh damper and potentially one that has slow rebound. Suspension can also sag over time, so if you change one side and not the other, it can be wonky. A decent geometry specialist like Center Gravity can help with all of this and make sure you’re not changing incorrect parts, or not curing part of the issue, etc. https://www.centergravity.co.uk/our-process
Simpo Two said:
It's probably less the fitter than the parts. My 07 DB9 needed new pads all round and I chose Pagid. Terrible choice; they squeal like pigs and leave dust everywhere. So the only recommendation I can add is not to use those. On shock absorbers, there was a leaky one and a decent local garage replaced it without problem - except that you have to use an Aston part so it's about £800.
Who changed the pads for you?V8VS said:
Agree with the above, but would also add that I would generally change things in pairs or as a complete set. I.e. if you had a broken spring or damper, change at least both sides of the same axle. Otherwise you ve got one that is xxxx miles and years older than the other, and likely the other side won t be far behind. You d also want the same performance at least across that axle. Rather than one fresh damper and potentially one that has slow rebound. Suspension can also sag over time, so if you change one side and not the other, it can be wonky. A decent geometry specialist like Center Gravity can help with all of this and make sure you re not changing incorrect parts, or not curing part of the issue, etc. https://www.centergravity.co.uk/our-process
I agree about changing things in pairs and would definitely do that.Corrosion on inside of front discs could simply be due to low mileage use, and 60% rear pad wear indicates they are only just over half worn!
Normal use would clean up the front disc corrosion and I would reassess when it needs front pads, and depending how you drive, you probably have another 8000 miles left on those rear pads. They all have sensors anyway so you will get an indication when they are needed.
Definitely replace front shocks as a pair but wipe it down first because these cars do tend to "mist" the shocks and then check again in a couple of thousand miles.
Normal use would clean up the front disc corrosion and I would reassess when it needs front pads, and depending how you drive, you probably have another 8000 miles left on those rear pads. They all have sensors anyway so you will get an indication when they are needed.
Definitely replace front shocks as a pair but wipe it down first because these cars do tend to "mist" the shocks and then check again in a couple of thousand miles.
Can't believe you were going to order 4 new discs and 4 sets of pads from what assessment! It's like going to the petrol station when the fuel gauge shows 60% 
I jest, I just wanted to contribute that Textar pads were by far the best for performance and dust on my old 997 911. Slightly more expensive but absolutely worth it!
I jest, I just wanted to contribute that Textar pads were by far the best for performance and dust on my old 997 911. Slightly more expensive but absolutely worth it!Edited by Pistonsquirter on Thursday 9th October 14:43
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