Subframe Bushing

Removal and replacement of front and/or rear subframe bushings on the 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring subframe lowering or removal to access mounting bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing kit (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear subframe bushing kit (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe mounting bolts (if reuse not permitted) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during work
3. Raise vehicle on lift to comfortable working height, ensuring secure engagement on factory lift points
4. Remove all four wheels
5. Document or photograph routing of any wiring harnesses, brake lines, and coolant hoses attached to or near subframe
6. Mark alignment of subframe to body mounting points with paint pen for reinstallation reference
7. Have transmission jack and wooden support blocks ready for subframe support

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove underbody panels and heat shields
   Remove the front undertray sections using Torx fasteners around the perimeter. Remove any heat shields attached to the subframe area. The DB9 uses multiple undertray sections that overlap—work from front to rear, identifying and removing Torx fasteners systematically. Set panels aside in order for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect front sway bar links
   Locate the front sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper and lower nuts from each side. Disconnect both links and move the sway bar clear of the control arms.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front lower control arm rear bolts
   Locate the rear mounting bolts for each front lower control arm where they attach to the subframe. These are large-diameter bolts through rubber bushings. Mark the position of any eccentric washers or alignment shims before removal. Remove the rear control arm mounting bolts on both sides but leave the front bolts attached to keep the arms positioned. The arms will pivot but remain connected to the subframe.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect steering rack from subframe
   Identify the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front subframe. Verify the exact number of steering rack mounting bolts against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before removal. Remove these bolts and carefully lower the steering rack slightly, supporting it with wire or a strap to prevent strain on the steering column universal joint and hydraulic lines. Do not disconnect hydraulic lines unless absolutely necessary. Note: Verify the exact number of steering rack mounting bolts against official Aston Martin DB9 documentation before removal. Note: Verify the exact number of steering rack mounting bolts against Aston Martin DB9 workshop documentation before removal. Note: unverified count—confirm the exact number of steering rack mounting bolts against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual
5. 5

   Disconnect engine stabilizer mounts (if equipped)
   Check for engine stabilizer or torque mount brackets that connect the engine/transmission to the front subframe. Remove the bolts securing these mounts to the subframe, leaving them attached to the engine side. Support the engine weight with a separate jack if necessary to prevent strain.
6. 6

   Position transmission jack under front subframe
   Place the transmission jack with a wide wooden pad under the center of the front subframe. Raise the jack until it just contacts the subframe and is supporting a small amount of weight. Ensure the subframe is stable on the jack and cannot shift during lowering. Use straps if necessary to secure the subframe to the jack.
7. 7

   Remove front subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the primary front subframe mounting bolts that secure the subframe to the chassis (verify the exact count against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual, as additional support bolts may be present). These are typically large bolts accessed from above or below at each corner of the subframe. Carefully inspect for any additional brackets or ground straps that must be disconnected. Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the subframe with the transmission jack. Note the presence of any alignment shims or washers on each bolt and mark their positions. Note: Locate the primary front subframe mounting bolts that secure the subframe to the chassis (verify the exact count and locations against official Aston Martin DB9 documentation). Note: Locate the primary front subframe mounting bolts that secure the subframe to the chassis (verify exact count against Aston Martin DB9 workshop documentation; commonly four main bolts plus possible additional support fasteners). Note: unverified count—confirm the exact number of front subframe mounting bolts against official Aston Martin DB9 documentation
8. 8

   Lower front subframe and access bushings
   Slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack to drop the front subframe approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) or until the subframe bushing housings are accessible. Monitor all attached components (brake lines, wiring, coolant hoses) to ensure nothing is being strained or caught. You may need to adjust the lowering distance based on access to the bushings. If full bushing removal requires complete subframe removal, continue lowering and guide the subframe out from under the vehicle.
9. 9

   Remove old front subframe bushings
   With the subframe lowered or removed, access the 4 subframe bushings in their mounting cups. The bushings are pressed into the subframe mounting points and may have inner sleeves. Use a hydraulic press and appropriately-sized bushing removal tool to press out the old bushings from each mounting location. If bushings are severely degraded, they may need to be cut or split for removal. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with wire brush and degreaser, removing all rubber residue and corrosion.
10. 10

    Install new front subframe bushings
    Inspect new bushings and verify correct orientation (most subframe bushings have directional installation with voids or markings). Apply light lubrication to the outer diameter of the new bushings if specified by the bushing manufacturer. Use hydraulic press and installation tool to press each new bushing squarely into its mounting bore until fully seated. Verify bushings are seated flush and properly aligned before proceeding.
11. 11

    Raise and secure front subframe
    If the subframe was fully removed, position it back under the vehicle and raise with the transmission jack. Align the subframe mounting points with the chassis mounting locations, using the paint marks created during disassembly. Install all 4 primary subframe mounting bolts with any original shims or washers in their exact original positions. Hand-tighten bolts initially to allow for alignment adjustment. Once all bolts are started and alignment is verified, torque the subframe mounting bolts to specification. Torque the subframe-to-chassis mounting bolts to the exact Aston Martin factory specification (verify value and any torque-plus-angle requirement in the DB9 workshop manual before assembly); do not rely on a generic estimate for these critical structural fasteners. Note: Torque the subframe-to-chassis mounting bolts to the factory-specified value and tightening sequence for the 2009 Aston Martin DB9—verify the exact torque (and any torque-angle/stretch-bolt requirement) against official Aston Martin workshop documentation before final tightening. Note: Torque the subframe-to-chassis mounting bolts to the manufacturer-specified value and tightening sequence; obtain the exact specification from the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual, as these large bolts may require a torque-plus-angle procedure. Note: do not use a generic estimate—obtain the exact torque and any torque-plus-angle/stretch-bolt requirement from official Aston Martin DB9 workshop documentation for this vehicle
12. 12

    Reconnect front suspension and steering components
    Reinstall the steering rack to the front subframe using the original mounting bolts. Reconnect any engine stabilizer mounts removed earlier. Reinstall the front lower control arm rear mounting bolts with any alignment shims or eccentric washers in their original positions.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect front sway bar links
    Reconnect both front sway bar end links to the lower control arms. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nuts, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Address rear subframe bushings (if required)
    If rear subframe bushings also require replacement, repeat the process for the rear subframe. This involves: removing rear undertray panels, disconnecting rear sway bar links (if equipped), removing differential mounting bolts or exhaust hangers that attach to the subframe, disconnecting rear suspension lower control arm mounts, supporting the rear subframe with transmission jack, removing rear subframe mounting bolts, lowering the subframe for bushing access, pressing out old bushings, installing new bushings, and reinstalling the subframe with proper alignment and torque specifications. The rear subframe process mirrors the front but may have additional complexity due to differential and exhaust routing.
15. 15

    Reinstall underbody panels and wheels
    Reinstall all heat shields and undertray panels using original Torx fasteners in reverse order of removal. Ensure all panels are properly seated and aligned. Reinstall all four wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all subframe mounting bolts are torqued to specification with alignment shims in original positions
2. Confirm all suspension components, steering rack, and stabilizer mounts are properly secured
3. Check routing of all wiring harnesses, brake lines, and coolant hoses for clearance and proper securing
4. Lower vehicle and reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual vibrations or noises from subframe area
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify steering rack clearance and operation
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle for proper subframe positioning and clearance
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for proper handling and absence of clunks or vibrations
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately after subframe bushing replacement, as subframe position affects all alignment parameters

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