Fender

Complete procedure for removing and installing the front fender on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including disconnecting side marker lights, removing wheel liner, and aligning body panels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front fender (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fender liner clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fender mounting bolt set (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts when disconnecting lighting connectors.
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points.
5. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced.
6. Protect adjacent body panels (door, hood edge) with masking tape or soft cloth to prevent accidental contact damage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel liner
   Remove the front portion of the wheel arch liner to access fender mounting fasteners. The liner is secured with plastic screws and push clips. Remove all visible fasteners along the fender edge and inner wheel well, noting their locations for reinstallation. Pull the liner away from the fender to expose the inner fender mounting area.
2. 2

   Disconnect side marker light
   Locate the side marker light assembly integrated into or near the front fender. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. If the marker light is mounted through the fender, remove its retaining fasteners (typically Torx screws) and set aside the light assembly with care to avoid damaging the lens.
3. 3

   Access hood hinge area
   Open the hood fully and secure it in the open position. Examine the forward-upper mounting area where the fender meets the hood hinge and inner structure. On the DB9, inspect the upper fender edge inside the engine bay to identify the mounting fasteners; consult the Aston Martin workshop manual to confirm exact fastener locations and access points before removal. Check for any plastic covers or sound deadening that may conceal fasteners and remove as necessary. Note: On the DB9, inspect the upper fender edge for mounting points; fender attachment locations and access routes should be verified against Aston Martin workshop documentation for this VH-platform vehicle before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove upper fender mounting bolts
   Remove the upper fender mounting bolts along the inner fender rail and near the hood hinge area. These are typically Torx or hex-head bolts (verify exact drive type and size against the Aston Martin workshop manual). Verify the exact number of upper fender mounting bolts against Aston Martin workshop documentation before removal; remove each bolt noting its location. Support the fender with one hand or have an assistant hold it as you remove the final bolts in this area.
5. 5

   Remove door jamb mounting bolts
   Open the front door to access the fender mounting points along the door jamb and A-pillar area. Remove the bolts (Torx or hex, verify against the Aston Martin workshop manual) securing the rear edge of the fender to the body structure. Verify the exact number of door jamb/A-pillar fender bolts against Aston Martin workshop documentation before removal. Inspect for any rubber seal or weatherstripping that may need to be peeled back for access.
6. 6

   Remove lower fender mounting bolts
   From underneath the vehicle and through the wheel well opening, locate and remove the lower fender mounting bolts. These secure the bottom edge of the fender to the inner structure and rocker panel area. Verify the exact number and type of lower fender mounting bolts against Aston Martin workshop documentation before removal. Ensure all fasteners are removed before attempting to pull the fender. Note: Remove the lower fender bolts (Torx or hex, verify drive type and exact count against the Aston Martin workshop manual) along the lower fender edge.
7. 7

   Remove front bumper attachment points
   At the forward edge of the fender where it meets the front bumper cover, remove any fasteners or clips securing the fender to the bumper assembly. Verify the exact number and type of fender-to-bumper fasteners against Aston Martin workshop documentation before separating the panels. Carefully separate the fender edge from the bumper without stressing the bumper cover mounting tabs.
8. 8

   Remove fender from vehicle
   With all mounting fasteners removed, carefully lift the fender away from the vehicle body. The fender may have alignment pins or locating tabs that require slight manipulation to disengage. Have an assistant support the fender or use a fender stand to prevent dropping. Inspect all mounting points on the body for damage, corrosion, or misalignment before installing the replacement fender.
9. 9

   Prepare and position new fender
   Transfer any alignment shims or brackets from the old fender to the new one if they are not pre-installed. Position the new fender onto the vehicle, aligning the mounting holes and any locating pins with their corresponding body points. Have an assistant support the fender while you start threading in the mounting bolts hand-tight. Begin with the upper engine bay bolts to establish primary alignment.
10. 10

    Install and align fender mounting bolts
    Install all fender mounting bolts in the reverse order of removal: upper edge bolts from engine bay, door jamb bolts, lower edge bolts, and front bumper attachment points. Leave all bolts hand-tight initially. Check panel gaps at the hood, door, and bumper. Adjust the fender position as needed to achieve consistent panel gaps per the Aston Martin workshop manual specification. Once alignment is satisfactory, torque all fender mounting bolts to the Aston Martin specified value (verify in the workshop manual and confirm your torque wrench range covers the specified value), following a pattern from the center outward to prevent distortion. Note: Once alignment is satisfactory, torque all fender mounting bolts to the factory-specified value (verify against Aston Martin service documentation, as different bolt sizes may require different torques) following a pattern from the center outward to prevent distortion. Note: Once alignment is satisfactory, torque all fender mounting bolts to the value specified in Aston Martin workshop documentation, following a pattern from the center outward to prevent distortion.
    Torque spec

    Fender Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect side marker light
    Reinstall the side marker light assembly into the fender, securing with its retaining fasteners. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place. Test the marker light function before proceeding (reconnect battery negative terminal temporarily if needed for testing).
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel liner
    Reposition the wheel arch liner and secure with all plastic screws and push clips in their original locations. Tighten the liner screws snugly by hand or to the Aston Martin specified torque if provided in the workshop manual. Ensure the liner sits flush against the fender and does not interfere with tire clearance. Note: Tighten the liner screws snugly per factory specification, taking care not to strip the plastic retainers (verify torque against Aston Martin service documentation if specified). Note: Tighten the liner screws snugly by hand or to the value specified in Aston Martin workshop documentation, taking care not to crack the plastic liner.
    Torque spec

    Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands.
3. Reconnect battery negative terminal if previously disconnected for testing.
4. Remove all protective masking tape from adjacent panels.
5. Close hood and verify that all panel gaps are consistent and within specification.

Verification

• Verify all panel gaps between fender and hood, door, and bumper are even and consistent (approximately 4-5mm).
• Open and close the door multiple times to ensure no interference with the fender edge.
• Open and close the hood to verify proper clearance and alignment.
• Test operation of side marker light and verify it illuminates correctly.
• Inspect all mounting bolt locations to confirm none were missed during installation.
• Road test vehicle and listen for any rattles or wind noise indicating loose fasteners or poor panel fit.

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