Brake Caliper Bracket

Remove and replace the brake caliper mounting bracket (carrier) on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including rotor removal and proper torque specifications for this high-performance braking system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper mounting bracket × 1 — Use OEM specification - specific to front or rear axle

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake (if working on front brakes only).
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before lifting vehicle.
3. Lift vehicle using manufacturer-specified jacking points and support securely on jack stands.
4. Remove wheel completely.
5. Inspect brake components for wear, damage, or fluid leaks before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Caliper Slide Pin Bolts
   Locate the caliper mounting bolts that secure the fixed Brembo caliper. VERIFY against Aston Martin service data whether the caliper mounts to a separate bracket/carrier or radially/directly to the hub carrier, as this determines the entire procedure. On this platform the drive type must be verified against OEM documentation (commonly a Torx or hex socket bolt accessed from the inboard side of the caliper). Remove both caliper mounting bolts completely. Note: Do not disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the caliper itself. Note: Do not disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the caliper itself. Note: Locate the caliper mounting bolts that secure the fixed (opposed-piston) caliper to the mounting bracket. Remove both caliper mounting bolts completely. Verify exact fastener type and size against OEM documentation. Note: Do not disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the caliper itself. Note: Locate the two caliper-to-bracket mounting bolts that secure the fixed opposed-piston caliper to the bracket. The DB9 uses a fixed Brembo monobloc caliper (no slide pins). Remove both caliper mounting bolts completely.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support and Secure Brake Caliper
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper upward and away from the rotor. Use heavy-duty wire, a bungee cord, or zip ties to secure the caliper to the suspension component or chassis. Ensure no tension or strain is placed on the brake hose. The caliper must be fully supported and stable.
   ⚠️Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Hose damage can cause catastrophic brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove Brake Rotor Retaining Fastener
   If present, remove the small screw that retains the brake rotor to the hub (verify exact drive type and size on the vehicle); it may be threadlocked. If the screw is seized or stripped, it may be carefully drilled out as it serves only an assembly function. Note: If present, remove any rotor retaining screw that locates the brake rotor to the hub (note: the DB9 uses a two-piece floating rotor; verify the actual retention method against Aston Martin service data). The retaining screw, if fitted, may be threadlocked. Note: If present, remove any rotor retaining/locating screw (verify configuration — the DB9 commonly uses a two-piece floating rotor without a single hub retaining screw). This is typically a small Torx fastener and may be threadlocked.
   ℹ️Not all rotors have retaining screws. If none is present, proceed to the next step.
4. 4

   Remove Brake Rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is seized to the hub by corrosion, use a brass hammer to tap the rotor face or hat section (never the friction surface) to break it free. Alternatively, thread bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor hat (if present) to push the rotor off the hub.
   ⚠Do not strike the friction surface of the rotor with a metal hammer. Use only soft-faced tools on rotor surfaces.
5. 5

   Remove Caliper Bracket Mounting Bolts
   If a separate caliper bracket/carrier is fitted, locate its mounting bolts that secure it to the steering knuckle or rear hub carrier (verify exact drive type and size against OEM documentation). These are large, high-torque safety-critical bolts positioned behind where the rotor was mounted. VERIFY against Aston Martin service data whether the caliper is radial/direct-mounted to the hub carrier (no separate bracket) before proceeding. Confirm the OEM removal/installation torque specification from Aston Martin documentation.n. Note: Locate the caliper bracket mounting bolts that secure the bracket directly to the steering knuckle or rear hub carrier. These are typically 2 large bolts (head type and size to be VERIFIED against Aston Martin service data) positioned behind where the rotor was mounted. Remove both bolts completely using a breaker bar if necessary - these are torqued to a high specification and may require significant force. Note: Locate the caliper bracket mounting bolts that secure the bracket directly to the steering knuckle or rear hub carrier. These are 2 large bolts positioned behind where the rotor was mounted (verify exact head type against OEM documentation). Remove both bolts completely using a breaker bar if necessary - verify the correct removal torque against the Aston Martin workshop manual, as these are high-torque safety-critical fasteners. Note: Exact drive type AND size for caliper bracket/carrier mounting bolts on 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 — verify against Aston Martin workshop manual (do not assume external Torx vs internal hex vs Torx).
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Caliper Bracket
   Pull the caliper bracket away from the hub assembly. Inspect the bracket for cracks, wear, or damage. Inspect the mounting surfaces on the knuckle/hub for corrosion or damage.
   ℹ️If the bracket is being reused, clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Prepare Mounting Surfaces
   Clean the mounting surfaces on the steering knuckle or hub carrier where the bracket mounts using brake cleaner and a wire brush if necessary. Remove all corrosion, debris, and old threadlocker. Inspect the mounting bolt threads in the knuckle/carrier for damage.
   ⚠Damaged or cross-threaded mounting holes must be repaired before installation. These bolts are safety-critical and require full thread engagement.
8. 8

   Install New Caliper Bracket
   Position the new (or cleaned original) caliper bracket onto the hub assembly, aligning the mounting holes. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of both caliper bracket mounting bolts as recommended. Install both bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper thread engagement.
   ⚠Ensure the bracket is correctly oriented - the pad retention clips or abutments must face the rotor mounting surface.
9. 9

   Torque Caliper Bracket Bolts
   Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten both caliper bracket mounting bolts to the manufacturer-specified torque (VERIFY against Aston Martin service data — do not use an unconfirmed value) in an alternating pattern (partially tighten one, then the other, then final torque on each). Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued. Note: Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten both caliper bracket mounting bolts to the Aston Martin OEM-specified torque value (verify from factory documentation — do not assume) in an alternating pattern (partially tighten one, then the other, then final torque on each). Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued. Note: Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten both caliper bracket mounting bolts to the Aston Martin OEM specification (verify exact value and whether a torque-to-yield/angle method applies) in an alternating pattern. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued.
   ⚠️Incorrect torque on caliper bracket bolts can result in bracket detachment and complete brake failure. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall Brake Rotor
    Clean the rotor mounting surface and hub face with brake cleaner. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. If equipped, install and snug the rotor retaining screw (do not overtighten - this is a locating screw only).
    ℹ️If installing a new rotor, remove any protective oil coating with brake cleaner before installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall Brake Caliper
    Remove the caliper from its temporary support. This vehicle uses a fixed (opposed-piston) Brembo caliper, so there are no slide pins to lubricate. Inspect the caliper mounting bolt bores and threads for damage. Position the caliper over the rotor and bracket, aligning the caliper mounting bolt holes. Do not apply grease to the caliper mounting bolt threads unless specified. Note: This vehicle uses fixed opposed-piston (Brembo) calipers, which do NOT have slide pins. The caliper bolts directly to the mounting bracket. Position the caliper over the rotor, align the caliper-to-bracket bolt holes, and do not apply grease to the fixed mounting bolts unless specified by OEM. Note: Remove the caliper from its temporary support. Position the fixed Brembo caliper over the rotor and bracket, aligning the caliper mounting bolt holes. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper mounting bolt threads as specified (do not grease these structural fasteners). Note: This vehicle uses a fixed opposed-piston Brembo caliper with no slide pins to lubricate. Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants near rubber boots or seals, as they will cause damage.
    ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease on slide pins. Petroleum-based lubricants will damage rubber boots and seals.
12. 12

    Torque Caliper Slide Pin Bolts
    Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to the Aston Martin OEM-specified value (verify from factory documentation — do not assume) using a torque wrench. Ensure bolts are fully engaged and properly seated. Note: Install both caliper-to-bracket mounting bolts and torque to the manufacturer-specified value (VERIFY against Aston Martin service data — do not use a generic slide-pin value) using a calibrated torque wrench. Ensure bolts are fully engaged and properly seated. Note: Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to the Aston Martin OEM specification (verify against workshop manual) using a torque wrench. Ensure bolts are fully engaged and properly seated. Note: Torque Caliper Mounting Bolts
    ⚠Over-torquing slide pins can cause binding and uneven brake pad wear. Under-torquing can allow caliper movement.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (enough to prevent wheel rotation). Torque the wheel bolts to the manufacturer-specified value (VERIFY against Aston Martin service data; do not use an unconfirmed value) in a star pattern. Note: Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all wheel bolts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (enough to prevent wheel rotation). Torque the wheel bolts to the Aston Martin OEM-specified value (typically approximately 150 Nm / 110 lb-ft — verify from factory documentation) in a star pattern. Note: Torque the wheel bolts to the Aston Martin OEM specification (approximately 150 Nm / 111 lb-ft — verify against the workshop manual) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Test Brake Pedal
    Before lowering the vehicle completely, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm. This is critical - the opposed caliper pistons (multiple per caliper on this fixed Brembo system) must be repositioned against the pads. Verify the pedal is firm and does not sink to the floor.
    ⚠️Do not attempt to move the vehicle until the brake pedal is firm. Failure to pump the pedal will result in no braking action on first application.

Reassembly

1. If performing this service on multiple wheels, repeat the procedure for each wheel individually.
2. After all brake work is complete, pump the brake pedal until firm before attempting to move the vehicle.
3. Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area before returning to normal driving.
4. Bedding-in of new brake components may be required - follow manufacturer recommendations for brake pad bedding procedures.

Verification

• Brake pedal is firm and does not sink when pressed - no spongy feel.
• Visual inspection confirms all caliper bracket bolts and caliper slide pin bolts are installed and torqued.
• No brake fluid leaks are visible at any connection.
• Wheel rotates freely without binding or scraping noises when spun by hand (vehicle lifted).
• Low-speed brake test (under 15 mph in safe area) shows normal braking response with no pulling to one side.
• Perform a final torque verification of all fasteners after test drive.

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