Fender Liner

Remove and replace the front or rear fender liner (wheel well splash shield) on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9 to restore underbody protection and prevent water/debris intrusion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fender liner (wheel arch splash shield) × 1 — Use OEM specification - specify front left/right or rear left/right
• Plastic push clips/rivets (as needed for damaged fasteners) × 10 — Aston Martin OEM clips - typically 8mm diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels opposite to the corner being serviced
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise vehicle at appropriate jacking point for the corner being serviced
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stand rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside
7. Clean wheel arch area with compressed air or brush to identify all fastener locations

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and document all fender liner fasteners
   Inspect the fender liner perimeter to identify all attachment points. The DB9 typically uses a combination of Torx screws along the fender edge (top and front/rear), push clips along the lower edge, and fasteners connecting to the bumper cover and inner fender structure. Note the fastener locations as they vary between front and rear applications. Front liners typically have connections to the bumper cover and air dam; rear liners connect to the rear bumper and rocker panel area.
2. 2

   Remove Torx screws from upper fender liner edge
   Using the appropriate Torx driver (verify exact size against factory service data), remove the Torx screws securing the top edge of the fender liner to the inner fender panel. Work methodically from front to rear, collecting fasteners in a container. Inspect each fastener for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove fasteners connecting liner to bumper cover
   Locate and remove the Torx screws or clips connecting the forward edge (front liner) or rearward edge (rear liner) of the fender liner to the bumper cover assembly. Verify the exact Torx screw size against factory service data before removal. Support the liner as you remove the final fasteners in this area to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Release push clips along lower liner edge
   Working along the lower and inner edge of the fender liner, identify the plastic push clips securing the liner to the chassis and subframe area. Use a trim panel tool to carefully pry the center pin of each clip upward, then extract the entire clip body. Expect 6-8 clips along this edge depending on front or rear application. Set aside any reusable clips.
   ⚠Push clips are single-use on many applications. Pry gently at the center pin to avoid breaking the clip body; replacement clips should be available.
5. 5

   Disconnect any remaining attachment points
   Check for any additional fasteners securing the liner to the rocker panel edge, subframe components, or suspension tower area. The DB9 may have 2-3 additional Torx screws in these locations. Remove these final fasteners while supporting the liner.
6. 6

   Remove fender liner from wheel arch
   With all fasteners removed, carefully maneuver the fender liner out of the wheel arch. The liner is flexible but may require slight bending to clear suspension components, brake lines, and wiring harnesses. Inspect the liner for damage, cracks, or torn mounting points. Check the wheel arch cavity for accumulated debris and clean as necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare and position new fender liner
   Compare the new fender liner to the old unit to confirm correct part and orientation. Clean any debris from mounting surfaces in the wheel arch. Position the new liner into the wheel arch, ensuring it seats properly against all mounting flanges and does not interfere with suspension travel, brake lines, or wiring. Verify that all mounting holes align with their corresponding chassis points.
8. 8

   Install fasteners connecting liner to bumper cover
   Begin reassembly by installing the Torx screws that secure the liner's front or rear edge to the bumper cover. Install screws finger-tight initially to allow for alignment adjustment. Once all screws in this section are started, torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install Torx screws along upper fender liner edge
   Install the Torx screws securing the top edge of the fender liner to the inner fender panel, working from front to rear. Start all screws finger-tight, then torque to specification. Verify the liner edge sits flush with the fender mounting flange.
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install push clips along lower liner edge
    Install new or reusable push clips along the lower and inner edge of the fender liner. Insert each clip body into its corresponding hole in the liner and chassis, then press the center pin fully inward until it clicks and locks the clip in place. Verify each clip is secure by gently tugging on the liner.
11. 11

    Install remaining attachment points and verify fitment
    Install any remaining Torx screws at the rocker panel, subframe, or suspension tower locations and torque to specification. Inspect the entire liner perimeter to ensure it is fully seated with no gaps, bulges, or interference with moving components. Manually rotate the steering to full lock in both directions (front liners) and verify no contact between liner and tire or suspension.
    Torque spec

    Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel, threading wheel bolts by hand initially. Tighten wheel bolts in a star pattern to approximately 50% torque while vehicle is still raised. Lower vehicle to ground, remove jack stand, and torque wheel bolts to manufacturer specification (verify exact value in Aston Martin workshop manual for 2009 DB9 — do not rely on a generic estimate) in a star pattern.d torque wheel bolts to manufacturer specification (approximately 150 Nm / 111 lb-ft for DB9 — verify against factory service data) in a star pattern. Note: Reinstall the wheel, aligning the bolt holes and threading the wheel bolts in by hand initially. Note: Lower vehicle to ground, remove jack stand, and torque lug bolts to manufacturer specification (verify exact value in factory workshop manual — do not rely on a generic estimate) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, following reverse order of disassembly with torque specifications applied
2. Always use new push clips if originals were damaged during removal
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel arch before final closure

Verification

• Visually inspect fender liner from both wheel well and underneath vehicle to confirm all edges are properly seated and secured
• Turn steering wheel to full lock (both directions for front liners) and verify no contact between tire and liner
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for any rubbing, rattling, or loose component noises from wheel arch area
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect liner fasteners for any loosening and re-torque if necessary

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