Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replace both front coil springs on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring strut removal and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (optional, inspect during service) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
3. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-designated jacking points on chassis rails.
4. Remove front wheels completely.
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
6. Inspect spring compressor tool for damage or wear before use. Do not use damaged compressors.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the front sway bar link. Hold the link stud against rotation using the appropriate tool (verify hex vs. Torx feature). Remove the nut securing the sway bar link and separate the link. Verify the exact link attachment point against Aston Martin documentation. The link can remain attached to the sway bar. Note: Locate the front sway bar drop link on the side being serviced. Verify its attachment point (control arm or damper) against factory documentation before disconnecting.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ABS sensor wire
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire routed along the knuckle and control arm. Identify the clips or brackets securing the wire. Carefully release the wire from these clips to provide clearance for suspension component removal. Do not disconnect the sensor electrical connector unless necessary. Note: Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire routed along the upright/control arm on the side being serviced. Identify the clips or brackets securing the wire and carefully release it to provide clearance for coil-over assembly removal. Do not disconnect the sensor connector unless necessary. Note: Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire routed near the upright and control arms on the side being serviced. Identify the clips or brackets securing the wire and carefully release it to provide clearance. Do not disconnect the sensor electrical connector unless necessary.
3. 3

   Remove strut lower mounting bolts
   Locate the lower mounting bolt(s) securing the bottom of the coil-over damper unit to the lower control arm. Support the damper assembly during removal. Remove the lower mounting fastener(s). Verify fastener type, size, and torque against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. release the clamping grip if needed. Note: Locate the lower damper mounting bolt securing the bottom of the coil-over assembly to the lower control arm. Support the assembly, then remove the lower mounting bolt. Verify the fastener type and whether a through-bolt or stud arrangement is used against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. Note: Locate the lower mounting point of the coil-over damper unit where it attaches to the lower control arm. Verify the fastener type and count against factory documentation before removal. Support the damper/spring assembly during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   The DB9 uses a double-wishbone suspension; the coil-over spring/damper upper eye bolts to the upper control arm / damper turret. Locate and support the upper mounting fastener (through-bolt) that secures the top of the damper to its mounting bracket. Verify the exact fastener type and count against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. Note: Locate the upper mount of the coil-over damper unit. On the DB9's double-wishbone suspension the upper damper mount attaches to the chassis/upper shock mount bracket. Consult Aston Martin service documentation for the exact upper mount fastener location and count before proceeding, as this vehicle does not use an engine-bay strut tower top mount. Note: Verify the upper damper mounting against factory service documentation. On the DB9 double-wishbone design the coil-over unit mounts to the upper control arm and body pickup points rather than a MacPherson-style strut tower with three nuts; confirm the actual upper mounting fasteners before removal.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Support the damper/spring assembly from below. Remove the upper mount fasteners securing the coil-over unit to the chassis mount (verify count and location per Aston Martin documentation). Carefully remove the entire damper and spring assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver around the brake components and control arms as needed. Place the assembly on a stable work surface. Note: Support the coil-over assembly from below, then remove the upper mounting through-bolt securing the top of the damper to its bracket. Carefully remove the entire spring/damper assembly from the suspension. Confirm the upper mounting arrangement against Aston Martin service documentation.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help support it during removal to prevent it from falling or damaging brake lines.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Position the strut assembly vertically in a sturdy vise or on the floor. Install the spring compressor tool according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least three full coils of the spring. Install compressor components on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart) to compress evenly. Verify the compressor hooks are fully seated and cannot slip off.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor hooks are fully engaged before applying any compression force. Slipping compressors cause catastrophic spring release.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring by alternating between the two sides of the compressor tool. Compress in small increments (1-2 turns per side) to maintain even compression. Continue compressing until the spring is no longer under tension against the upper strut mount. You should be able to move the strut mount freely with your hand when adequate compression is achieved.
   ⚠️Compress evenly on both sides. Uneven compression can cause the spring to shift violently. Stand to the side, never directly in front of or behind the compressed spring assembly.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   At the top of the damper shaft, hold the shaft against rotation using the correct tool for this damper (verify whether the shaft uses an internal hex, external flats, or Torx) while removing the shaft nut. Remove the large nut securing the upper strut mount. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing, and any spacers or bushings, noting their orientation and order for reassembly. Lift the compressed spring off the strut body.
9. 9

   Release old spring and inspect components
   With the spring removed from the strut, slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor. Once fully released, remove the old spring from the compressor. Inspect the upper strut mount bearing for roughness, binding, or wear. Inspect the strut mount rubber for cracking or deterioration. Replace if necessary. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
   ⚠Release spring compressor slowly and evenly to prevent sudden spring movement.
10. 10

    Install and compress new spring
    Place the new coil spring in the spring compressor. Ensure the spring end positioning matches the original spring orientation (the spring may have a flat end or specific orientation feature). Compress the new spring using the same procedure as removal, alternating sides and compressing evenly until the spring is sufficiently compressed to fit onto the strut assembly with clearance for the upper mount.
    ⚠️New springs may be stiffer than old springs. Ensure compressor is rated for new spring load.
11. 11

    Install spring and upper mount onto strut
    Slide the compressed new spring onto the strut body, ensuring the spring end seats properly into the lower spring perch on the strut body. Install any spacers, bushings, and the upper strut mount bearing in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. Thread the strut shaft through the upper mount. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the strut shaft nut. Torque the damper shaft (piston rod) nut to the manufacturer-specified value, verified against Aston Martin service documentation before assembly. Note: Torque the damper shaft nut to the Aston Martin factory specification. This value is NOT confirmed in the database and must be verified against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before tightening. Note: Torque the damper shaft top nut to the factory-specified value. This specification is not confirmed in available documentation and must be verified against Aston Martin service data before final assembly.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating sides. As tension releases, verify the spring seats properly into both the lower perch and the upper mount. Once all tension is transferred to the strut assembly, remove the spring compressor tools completely. Verify the spring is fully seated at both ends.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the complete strut and spring assembly up into the wheel well, maneuvering around brake components. Guide the upper mount of the coil-over damper assembly into its bracket/body pickup point. Install the upper mount fastener(s) finger-tight. Verify the exact upper mount fastener configuration and location against Aston Martin DB9 service documentation, as this vehicle uses a double-wishbone suspension and does NOT have a MacPherson-style strut tower top mount with three nuts. From below, align the lower damper mounting hole(s) with the lower control arm mounting point. Manipulate the control arm as needed to align the holes. Verify the exact lower mounting arrangement against Aston Martin DB9 service documentation, as this vehicle attaches the coil-over to the lower control arm rather than to a knuckle clamp.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install strut lower mounting bolts
    Insert both lower strut mounting bolts through the knuckle and strut assembly. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the lower damper mounting bolt(s) to the Aston Martin factory-specified torque using a calibrated torque wrench. This value must be verified against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation — do not rely on a generic value. Note: Insert the lower damper mounting bolt through the lower control arm and coil-over eye, starting it by hand. Tighten the lower damper mounting bolt to the manufacturer-specified torque using a calibrated torque wrench. Exact torque value must be verified against Aston Martin service documentation. Note: Tighten the lower damper mounting bolts to the factory-specified torque using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify the exact specification against Aston Martin service data before final tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect ABS sensor wire and sway bar link
    Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor wire back into its clips or brackets along the strut body. Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to the Aston Martin factory specification. This value must be verified against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation. Note: Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to the manufacturer-specified value, verified against Aston Martin service documentation. Note: Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to the factory-specified value, verified against Aston Martin service documentation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Torque the upper damper mount fasteners to the Aston Martin factory specification. Verify the fastener count, location, and torque value against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before tightening. Reinstall any covers or panels removed for access. Note: Torque the upper damper mounting through-bolt to the manufacturer-specified value. Exact torque must be verified against Aston Martin service documentation before final assembly. Reinstall any covers or trim panels removed during access. Note: Torque the upper damper mounting fasteners to the factory-specified value. Verify the fastener configuration and torque against Aston Martin service documentation, as the DB9 does not use a conventional three-nut strut tower mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform the entire procedure (steps 1-16) for the opposite front strut and spring assembly. Both front springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.
18. 18

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels. Thread all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the wheel bolts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the Aston Martin factory-specified value, verified against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before final tightening. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the suspension, perform a final torque verification of all wheel lug nuts. Note: Tighten the wheel fasteners in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the Aston Martin factory specification. This value must be verified against official Aston Martin DB9 documentation, as the correct torque is likely higher than typical passenger-car values. Note: Tighten the wheel fasteners in a star pattern with a torque wrench to the factory-specified value (verify against Aston Martin documentation; this is typically higher than 89 Nm for this vehicle class).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
2. Ensure ABS sensor wires are properly routed and secured to prevent chafing or damage.
3. Verify all strut tower covers and trim panels are reinstalled in the engine bay.
4. Both front springs must be replaced as a matched pair to maintain proper suspension balance.

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each front corner several times and verify the suspension returns smoothly without unusual noises.
• Verify no rattling or clunking noises from the front suspension when driving over bumps.
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side with equal ride height on both front corners.
• Verify all strut tower nuts are tight and no movement is present at the upper mounts.
• Have vehicle professionally aligned immediately after this service. Suspension geometry has been disturbed and alignment is required for safe operation and proper tire wear.

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