Shock Absorber - Front (one side)

Replacement of the front shock absorber (strut assembly) on one side of a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including wheel removal, suspension component separation, and installation of new shock absorber.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber (strut assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent (Bilstein B6 or OEM Aston Martin)
• Upper strut mount hardware kit (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower shock absorber mounting bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification (M12 or M14 class 10.9)
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts (on the side being serviced) while vehicle is still on the ground.
3. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front jacking point.
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points.
5. Remove front wheel completely on the side being serviced.
6. Spray penetrating oil on shock absorber mounting hardware, ball joint tapers, and suspension bolts. Allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper shock mount in engine bay
   Open the bonnet (hood). Locate the upper damper mount on the side being serviced. On the DB9 the coil-over damper upper mount attaches to the suspension turret/crossmember rather than an engine-bay strut tower, and access may require removing wheel-arch liner or under-bonnet trim. Identify the upper mount fasteners (exact count must be confirmed against factory documentation). Note: Locate the upper shock absorber mount on the side being serviced. On the DB9 double-wishbone suspension, the coil-over damper upper mount attaches to the upper chassis structure and may be accessed from the engine bay or from within the wheel well. Remove any trim cap or cover if present. Identify the upper mount fasteners (count and configuration per factory service data). Note: Identify the upper mount fasteners securing the top mount to the chassis (number of fasteners to be verified against Aston Martin service documentation for this platform).
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS sensor and brake line
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor and brake line routing on the steering knuckle/upright (on the DB9 double-wishbone suspension these are typically carried by the upright, not the damper body). Remove the sensor wire from any clips or brackets on the shock body (typically 1-2 clips). Identify the brake line bracket attached to the shock absorber or knuckle, typically secured with a single Torx or E-Torx bolt. Remove this bolt and carefully position the brake line and ABS sensor wire clear of the work area. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic fitting or unplug the ABS sensor connector.
3. 3

   Remove lower shock absorber mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting point where the shock body connects to the lower control arm or steering knuckle via a horizontal through-bolt. This is a large through-bolt passing through the shock eye and a mounting bracket (confirm bolt size and grade against factory service data). Using a socket on the bolt head and another wrench on the nut, remove the lower shock mounting bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers. If the bolt is seized in the bushing, apply additional penetrating oil and use a drift punch to drive it out after nut removal. Note: This is a large through-bolt passing through the shock eye and a mounting bracket (exact bolt size must be confirmed against factory documentation). Note: This is a large through-bolt passing through the shock eye and a mounting bracket (bolt size to be verified against Aston Martin documentation).
4. 4

   Disconnect upper control arm or stabilizer link (if obstructing)
   Assess whether the shock absorber can be removed vertically from its lower mount. On the DB9, the upper wishbone ball joint or stabilizer bar end link may need to be disconnected to allow sufficient clearance (confirm required procedure against factory service data). If the stabilizer link is in the way, locate the upper or lower mounting nut (typically E-Torx or hex nut) and remove it. Use a ball joint separator if necessary to separate tapered connections. If the upper control arm ball joint must be disconnected, remove the pinch bolt or castle nut securing it to the steering knuckle and use a separator tool to break the taper. Note the exact position and orientation of components for reassembly. Note: Additional suspension components (such as an upper control arm or stabilizer bar end link) may need to be disconnected to allow sufficient clearance; confirm the correct removal path against factory DB9 service documentation. Note: On the DB9 double-wishbone front suspension, determine from service documentation whether the upper control arm ball joint or anti-roll bar drop link must be disconnected to achieve clearance for damper removal.
5. 5

   Support shock assembly and remove upper mount fasteners
   Return to the engine bay. While supporting the shock absorber assembly from below (or having an assistant hold it), remove the upper mount fasteners from the shock tower. The upper mount fastener count and arrangement must be confirmed against factory DB9 service documentation before removal. Use a socket or wrench to remove these nuts. Do NOT remove the large center nut at this time, as it retains the spring under compression. Once the peripheral nuts are removed, carefully lower the shock absorber assembly down and out of the wheel well.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring safely
   Confirm from factory documentation whether the DB9 front coil spring is captured on the damper and must be compressed for separation. If so, place the assembly on a stable workbench and install external coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3 full coils on each compressor. Tighten the compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides every few turns, until the spring tension is relieved from the upper mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount freely). Verify that both compressors are seated securely and the spring is not cocked at an angle.
7. 7

   Disassemble shock absorber and spring
   With the spring safely compressed, hold the shock shaft from rotating using a hex key or holding tool inserted into the top of the shaft (typically a 6mm or 8mm hex socket). Remove the large center nut from the top of the shock shaft using a socket. Remove the upper mount assembly (top mount bearing plate, bearing, and rubber isolator), followed by the upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot. Carefully remove the compressed spring. Inspect all components for wear, cracks, or deterioration. The bump stop and dust boot should be replaced if damaged.
8. 8

   Transfer components to new shock absorber
   Inspect the new shock absorber to confirm it matches the original in length, mounting eye dimensions, and damper body diameter. If the new shock did not come with a bump stop and dust boot, transfer these from the old shock (or install new ones). Slide the dust boot onto the new shock shaft, followed by the bump stop. Install the compressed spring onto the new shock, ensuring the spring end seats properly in the lower spring perch molded into the shock body.
9. 9

   Install upper mount and secure assembly
   Install the upper spring seat onto the spring, aligning any locating tabs. Install the upper mount isolator, bearing, and bearing plate assembly, ensuring the bearing is seated correctly and the mount plate studs or holes align with the tower mounting pattern. While holding the shock shaft from rotating with a hex key, install the new center nut onto the shock shaft and tighten it to secure the upper mount. Tighten to the manufacturer specification. Do not rely on a generic value; the center shock shaft nut torque must be confirmed against factory DB9 documentation before final tightening. Note: Tighten to the manufacturer specification. Do not substitute a generic value — obtain the correct center shaft nut torque from factory service data before final tightening. Note: Tighten to the Aston Martin manufacturer specification. Do not apply a guessed torque value; obtain the correct center shaft nut spec from factory documentation before final tightening.
10. 10

    Release spring compressors and verify assembly
    Slowly and evenly release tension from both spring compressors, alternating between sides. As tension is released, the spring should seat properly into both the lower and upper spring seats. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressors. Inspect the assembly to ensure all components are seated correctly, the spring ends are in their proper pockets, and there is no binding or misalignment.
11. 11

    Install shock assembly into vehicle
    Lift the assembled shock absorber into the wheel well, guiding the upper mount studs through the holes in the shock tower. From the engine bay, start the upper mount fasteners onto the studs by hand (confirm fastener count against factory DB9 documentation). Do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower shock eye with the mounting bracket on the lower control arm or knuckle.
12. 12

    Install lower shock mounting bolt
    Insert the lower shock mounting bolt through the shock eye and mounting bracket, ensuring any spacers or washers are in their original positions. Start the nut onto the bolt by hand. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lower shock mounting bolt. Tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to the factory-specified torque. Do not substitute a generic value; the exact torque and bolt size must be confirmed against factory DB9 documentation. The vehicle suspension should be at normal ride height (wheels on ground or suspension loaded with jack) when final-tightening suspension fasteners to prevent bushing bind. Note: Tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to the manufacturer specification obtained from factory service data. Do not substitute a generic torque value for this critical suspension fastener. Note: Tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to the Aston Martin factory torque specification. Do not substitute a generic guessed value; obtain the correct spec and bolt size from service documentation.
13. 13

    Reconnect suspension components
    If the upper control arm ball joint or stabilizer link was disconnected in Step 4, reconnect it now. Install the ball joint into the knuckle taper and install the pinch bolt or castle nut, tightening to specification. Reconnect the stabilizer link and tighten the mounting nut to specification. Ensure all tapered connections are fully seated.
14. 14

    Reattach brake line and ABS sensor
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the shock absorber or knuckle using the Torx or E-Torx bolt removed in Step 2. Secure the ABS sensor wire to any clips or brackets on the shock body, ensuring the wire has adequate slack and will not be stretched or pinched during suspension travel.
15. 15

    Tighten upper shock mount and reinstall wheel
    From the engine bay, tighten the upper shock mount fasteners to the manufacturer specification, working evenly to ensure balanced loading (confirm fastener count and tightening pattern against factory DB9 documentation). Obtain the correct fastener count and torque from factory service data rather than using a generic value. Reinstall any trim cap over the shock tower. Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (suspension is loaded). Torque the wheel lug bolts to the factory-specified value in a star pattern (the DB9 uses wheel bolts, not nuts; confirm exact torque against factory documentation). Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle completely. Note: Tighten the upper shock mount fasteners to the factory-specified torque in a star pattern. Do not substitute a generic value; the exact torque must be confirmed against factory DB9 documentation. Note: Torque the wheel fasteners to the manufacturer specification in a star pattern (verify correct lug torque from factory service data). Note: Torque the wheel fasteners to the Aston Martin factory specification using the correct pattern for the wheel fastener type on this vehicle (verify whether wheel bolts or lug nuts are used). Note: Tighten the upper shock mount fasteners to the Aston Martin factory specification; do not use a guessed torque value.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be tightened to manufacturer specifications. If specifications are unavailable, use the torque ranges provided in the procedure steps.
2. Suspension fasteners should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground or suspension loaded) to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
3. Reinstall any trim panels, caps, or covers removed during the procedure.
4. If both front shock absorbers are being replaced, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary to verify no binding, rubbing, or interference.
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are installed and tightened, brake lines are secured, and ABS sensor wires are properly routed.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises (clunking, rattling, squeaking) and feeling for abnormal handling characteristics.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered when driving straight. If not centered, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, immediate professional wheel alignment is required.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque the wheel lug nuts and visually inspect all suspension fasteners for looseness or movement.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible after completing this repair. Suspension geometry has been disturbed and alignment is essential for proper handling and tire wear.

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