Coil Spring - Rear

Remove and replace the rear coil springs on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compressor use to safely remove springs from the strut assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point (consult owner's manual for location).
4. Place jack stands under rear subframe or designated support points. Lower vehicle onto stands. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
6. Inspect the rear suspension for obvious damage, corrosion, or wear. Take photos of suspension geometry for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or suspension knuckle on the side you are working on. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut securing the sway bar link. Note: Work one side at a time to maintain suspension stability. Disconnect the link from the sway bar, allowing the bar to move away from the suspension. Verify the exact sway bar link attachment point for the DB9 against the workshop manual.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm as close to the wheel hub as safely possible. Raise the jack just enough to make contact and lightly support the arm, but do not lift the vehicle or compress the suspension. This will prevent the arm from dropping suddenly when the strut is disconnected. The jack must remain in place throughout disassembly to control suspension movement.
3. 3

   Remove lower strut mounting bolt
   Locate the lower strut mounting bolt connecting the strut assembly to the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Remove the bolt completely using appropriate Torx or hex tooling. The bolt may be tight; use a breaker bar if necessary. Once removed, the strut will be free at the lower mount but still held by the upper mount.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access upper strut tower mounting
   On the DB9's double-wishbone rear suspension, the upper damper/spring mount attaches to the subframe/body bracket accessible from the wheel well area, NOT a conventional strut tower inside the trunk. Verify the exact upper mount location and access method against factory service documentation before proceeding. Locate the upper mount fasteners securing the damper/spring unit and verify the exact number and arrangement against DB9 factory service documentation before removal. The panel may be held by plastic clips or fasteners; carefully pry or unclip to avoid damage. Locate the upper mount fasteners securing the damper/spring unit to the body or subframe. Verify the exact number and arrangement against factory service documentation before removal. Note: Locate the strut tower mounting nuts around the strut shaft (verify exact count and arrangement against DB9 service documentation before removal). Note: The DB9 rear damper upper mount attaches to the subframe/upper suspension area and is accessed from within the wheel well, not the trunk. Verify the exact upper mount location against the Aston Martin workshop manual before proceeding. Note: Locate the upper damper mounting fasteners. The exact number and arrangement are unverified for the DB9 and must be confirmed against the Aston Martin workshop manual before removal. Note: unverified — the upper mount fastener count and arrangement must be confirmed against DB9 factory service documentation (do not assume a conventional 3-stud strut-mount pattern on this double-wishbone coil-over design)
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   While continuing to support the lower control arm with the floor jack, remove the upper strut tower nuts. Do not remove the center nut on the strut shaft itself at this time; only remove the mounting nuts securing the strut assembly to the body. Once all mounting nuts are removed, carefully lower the jack under the control arm slowly, allowing the strut assembly to pivot downward and separate from the strut tower.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the lower control arm fully lowered via the floor jack, maneuver the strut assembly out of the suspension area. The assembly is a coilover unit including the damper, coil spring, and upper mount. Confirm removal clearance and attachment points for the DB9 double-wishbone rear suspension against the workshop manual. You may need to angle or rotate the assembly to clear brake lines and suspension links. Place the assembly on a clean, stable work surface for spring removal. Secure any hanging brake lines or ABS sensors with wire to prevent strain.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Using a professional-grade coil spring compressor, install the compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned securely. For external-style compressors, ensure equal compression on both sides. Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. This is the most critical safety step of the procedure.
8. 8

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the coil spring by tightening the spring compressor. Alternate between sides if using dual compressors to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until the upper spring seat is no longer under load and the spring can move slightly. This typically requires 2-3 inches of compression. Check that compressor hooks remain fully engaged throughout the process. If any slippage occurs, stop immediately and reposition.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut
   With the spring fully compressed and unloaded, hold the strut shaft from rotating using an Allen key or holding tool inserted into the top of the shaft. Remove the strut shaft nut on top of the upper mount. Once the nut is removed, carefully lift off the upper mount, bearing plate, and any washers or isolators. Note the order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
10. 10

    Remove compressed spring and bump stop
    Lift the compressed coil spring off the strut body. Keep the spring compressor engaged and set the spring aside in a safe location where it cannot roll or fall. Remove the bump stop and dust boot from the strut shaft if they did not come off with the upper mount. Inspect the strut for leaks or damage; if replacing springs due to sagging, consider replacing struts as well.
11. 11

    Install new coil spring on strut
    Using the spring compressor, compress the new coil spring to the same degree as the old spring (approximately 2-3 inches of compression). Install the bump stop and dust boot onto the strut shaft if removed. Position the compressed new spring onto the lower spring seat on the strut body. Ensure the spring end is properly seated in the locating pocket of the lower spring seat. Rotate the spring so the upper end will align with the upper seat pocket.
12. 12

    Install upper mount and strut shaft nut
    Reinstall any isolators, washers, bearing plate, and upper mount onto the strut shaft in the reverse order of removal. Ensure the upper spring seat pocket aligns with the upper end of the coil spring. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and hand-tighten. Hold the damper shaft with an Allen key and torque the shaft nut to the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (value unverified — confirm before releasing spring tension). The nut must be tight enough to clamp all upper mount components securely before releasing spring tension.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, allowing the coil spring to expand and seat fully into both the upper and lower spring seats. Ensure the spring ends are properly located in their respective pockets throughout the release process. Once the spring is fully seated and the compressor is unloaded, remove the spring compressor tools completely. Inspect the assembly to confirm proper seating and alignment.
14. 14

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly back into position in the suspension area. Maneuver the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. You may need to use the floor jack under the lower control arm to raise the arm slightly to align the lower strut mount with the control arm or knuckle mounting point. Install the upper strut tower nuts finger-tight first, then the lower strut mounting bolt finger-tight.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the upper mount nuts and the lower damper mounting bolt to the Aston Martin factory-specified values (verify against DB9 workshop manual before tightening). Use a torque wrench for all critical fasteners. Remove the floor jack from under the lower control arm. Use a torque wrench for all critical fasteners. Remove the floor jack from under the lower control arm. Note: Torque the upper strut tower nuts in a star pattern to the DB9 factory specification (verify value in service documentation). Torque the lower strut mounting bolt to the DB9 factory specification (verify value — large lower suspension bolts on this platform typically require substantially higher torque than small body-mount nuts). Note: Torque the upper damper mount fasteners and the lower damper mounting bolt to the Aston Martin workshop manual specifications. These values are not verified for the DB9 and must be confirmed before final assembly.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the sway bar. Install the upper nut and hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to the DB9 factory specification (verify value in service documentation). Note: Reconnect the sway bar link to the sway bar. Install the upper nut and hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to the Aston Martin factory-specified value (verify against DB9 workshop manual). Note: Reconnect the sway bar link to the sway bar. Install the upper nut and hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to the Aston Martin workshop manual specification (unverified value — confirm before final assembly).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 16 for the opposite rear side to replace the second coil spring. Both rear springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension characteristics and ride height.
18. 18

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, torque the wheel bolts to the Aston Martin factory specification (verify exact value against the DB9 workshop manual; this platform typically specifies approximately 130-150 Nm / ~95-110 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Note: Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern to the DB9 factory specification (verify value — this platform typically requires approximately 130-150 Nm / ~95-110 lb-ft). Note: Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, torque the wheel bolts to the Aston Martin specification (approximately 130-150 Nm / 96-111 lb-ft) in a star pattern — confirm exact value against the workshop manual.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Reinstall trunk trim and verify suspension settling
    Reinstall the trunk carpet or liner panels removed for strut tower access. Secure all clips or fasteners. Close the trunk. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to allow the suspension to settle into its normal position. Check that ride height appears even side-to-side.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners have been torqued to specification during the installation steps above.
2. Both rear coil springs must be replaced as a pair to ensure balanced handling and ride height.
3. If control arm bushings or other suspension components showed wear during disassembly, consider replacing them while the suspension is apart.
4. Suspension geometry is self-aligning on the DB9 with proper installation, but a professional alignment check is recommended after any suspension work.

Verification

• Visually inspect that both rear coil springs are fully seated in their upper and lower spring seats with no gaps or misalignment.
• Verify that all strut mounting fasteners (upper tower nuts and lower strut bolts) are torqued to specification and show no signs of looseness.
• Check that rear ride height is even side-to-side and consistent with the front of the vehicle.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area. Listen for any clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from the rear suspension. The ride should feel firm and controlled without harshness.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all suspension fastener torque values to ensure nothing has loosened during initial settling.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment to verify suspension geometry and tire wear angles are within specification.

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