Tie Rods - Both Sides

This procedure replaces both inner and outer tie rods on both sides of the 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring wheel removal, tie rod end separation, and post-repair alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Right outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Left inner tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Right inner tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (assorted) × 4 — Match OEM diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove both front wheels completely.
5. Spray penetrating oil on all tie rod jam nuts, castle nuts, and threads. Allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate.
6. Take photos or measurements of current tie rod thread exposure for rough alignment reference during installation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before loosening any fasteners, measure and record the exposed thread length on each tie rod end from the jam nut to the end of the threads. Use a measuring tape or mark the adjustment position with paint pen on both inner and outer tie rods on each side. This provides a reference point for approximate reinstallation alignment.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pins
   Locate the nut securing each outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Note whether it is a self-locking (prevailing-torque) nut or a castellated nut with a cotter pin, as the DB9 commonly uses a self-locking nut. If a cotter pin is present, straighten and remove it using pliers or a pick tool and discard it. Note: Locate the nut securing each outer tie rod end ball stud to the steering knuckle. Note: verify whether this vehicle uses a self-locking nut or a castle nut with cotter pin before proceeding. If a cotter pin is present, straighten and remove it using pliers or a pick tool and discard it; if a self-locking nut is used, no cotter pin will be present. Note: Locate the nut securing each outer tie rod end ball stud to the steering knuckle. If equipped with a castle nut and cotter pin, straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a pick tool and discard it; if equipped with a self-locking nut, note that it must be replaced on reassembly. Verify the fastener type against Aston Martin DB9 documentation.
3. 3

   Loosen outer tie rod castle nuts
   Using an appropriate socket, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut on each outer tie rod end. Leave the nut threaded on by a few turns to prevent the tie rod from dropping suddenly when separated.
4. 4

   Separate outer tie rod ends from knuckles
   Use a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork to break the taper joint between the outer tie rod end ball stud and the steering knuckle on both sides. Position the separator between the knuckle and tie rod end, then strike or apply pressure according to tool design. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end free from the knuckle.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod jam nuts
   Hold the outer tie rod end with one wrench to prevent rotation. Use a second wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the jam nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Count the number of turns or note the position as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Remove the outer tie rod end completely.
6. 6

   Access and remove inner tie rod ends
   Locate where the inner tie rod connects to the steering rack boot. On the DB9, verify the exact inner tie rod attachment method against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding, as the connection may thread into the rack and require a specialized inner tie rod/crowfoot tool. Remove the steering rack boot clamps if necessary to access the inner tie rod connection point. The inner tie rod may be secured with a large nut or may thread directly into the rack. Use the appropriate wrench or socket to loosen and remove the inner tie rod from the rack assembly on both sides. Note: On the DB9, the inner tie rod end is a ball-socket housing that threads onto the end of the rack shaft and is typically removed with an inner tie rod removal tool (crowfoot wrench). Verify the exact connection method against official Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before applying force.
   ℹ️Inner tie rod removal method varies by exact steering rack design. Some require a special crowfoot wrench. Inspect connection before applying force.
7. 7

   Clean threads and inspect components
   With tie rods removed, use a wire brush to clean all threads on the steering rack and any reusable hardware. Inspect the steering rack boots for tears or damage. Check the steering knuckle taper holes for wear or damage. Replace boots if damaged.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rods
   Thread the new inner tie rods into the steering rack connection points on both sides. Torque the inner tie rod fasteners to the manufacturer-specified value (verify exact torque against the factory service manual before finalizing, as rack-end torque varies by design). Reinstall steering rack boot clamps if removed. Note: Thread the new inner tie rods into the steering rack connection points on both sides. Torque the inner tie rod fasteners to the Aston Martin-specified value, which must be confirmed against official DB9 service documentation before installation, as the connection method and torque are not yet verified. Note: If the inner tie rod threads directly into the rack, torque to the OEM-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before installation).
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut73 Nm (54 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod ends to inner tie rods
   Thread each new outer tie rod end onto its corresponding inner tie rod. Use your reference measurements from removal to achieve approximately the same thread exposure. Thread on the jam nut but leave it loose for now to allow adjustment.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Insert the ball stud of each outer tie rod end into the taper hole in the steering knuckle on both sides. Install the correct new nut (self-locking or castellated per the original design) and tighten to the Aston Martin-specified torque, which must be verified against official service documentation before final tightening. If a castellated nut with a cotter pin is used, ensure the slots align with the ball stud hole and only tighten further (never loosen) to achieve alignment. Note: Insert the ball stud of each outer tie rod end into the taper hole in the steering knuckle on both sides. Thread on the new ball stud nut and tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify exact value against the factory service manual before finalizing). If a castle nut with cotter pin is used, ensure a slot aligns with the ball stud hole, tightening slightly further if needed (never loosen) until a slot aligns. Note: Thread on the new castle nut and tighten to the OEM-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before installation).
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut48 Nm (35 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new cotter pins
    If the outer tie rod end uses a castellated nut, insert a new cotter pin through each castle nut and ball stud hole, bend the ends to secure it, and ensure the pin is fully seated and properly spread. If the design uses self-locking nuts, no cotter pin is required and this step should be skipped.
12. 12

    Perform rough alignment check
    With outer tie rod ends connected, verify that the toe setting appears close to the original position by comparing to your initial measurements. The wheels should appear roughly parallel when viewed from above. Do not drive the vehicle at highway speeds without a professional alignment.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount both front wheels onto the hubs. Thread on all wheel lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded.
14. 14

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle weight partially on the wheels, torque all wheel bolts to the Aston Martin-specified value (to be confirmed against official DB9 service documentation) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Note: Socket for wheel bolts (verify exact size against vehicle; commonly 19mm on this platform, but confirm before use) Note: With the vehicle weight partially on the wheels, torque all wheel lug nuts/bolts to the manufacturer-specified value (verify exact torque against the factory service manual; this is typically significantly higher than 89 Nm on this vehicle) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Note: With the vehicle weight partially on the wheels, torque all wheel lug bolts to the OEM-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 documentation; typically higher than 89 Nm for this vehicle) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Obtain professional alignment and finalize jam nuts
    Drive the vehicle carefully to an alignment facility. After the alignment technician has set the proper toe specifications, torque each tie rod jam nut to the Aston Martin-specified value (to be confirmed against official documentation) while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent rotation. This must be done after alignment is complete. Note: Drive the vehicle carefully to an alignment facility. After the alignment technician has set the proper toe specifications, torque each tie rod jam nut to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against the factory service manual) while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent rotation. This must be done after alignment is complete. Note: After the alignment technician has set the proper toe specifications, torque each tie rod jam nut to the OEM-specified value (verify against Aston Martin DB9 documentation) while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent rotation.
    ⚠Do not torque jam nuts until after professional alignment is complete, as this will lock the adjustment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Jam Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in the steps above as this procedure involves complete disassembly and installation of new components.
2. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and spread to prevent castle nut loosening.
3. Verify all torque specifications are met, particularly the tie rod end castle nuts and jam nuts after alignment.

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any unusual noises or binding.
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area. Verify steering response is normal and there is no play or looseness in the steering.
• Visually inspect all tie rod connections for proper installation and security.
• Confirm that a professional four-wheel alignment has been performed and alignment specifications are within manufacturer tolerances.
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving.

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