Trailing Arm

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including disconnection from the hub assembly and chassis mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts (front and rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing hardware × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points on chassis rails
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the trailing arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper mounting nut using a socket. Separate the link from the trailing arm and secure it out of the way using a zip tie or wire to prevent damage to the brake lines. Note: Trailing arm mounting bolts and nuts (front and rear chassis mounts) — verify exact quantity against OEM parts catalog
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support hub assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear hub assembly to support the weight of the hub, brake assembly, and suspension components. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arm mounting points without lifting the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt that connects to the trailing arm or hub assembly. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt using the appropriate socket (verify the exact head type and size against Aston Martin service documentation before purchasing tools). Allow the shock to extend fully but ensure it does not overextend and damage the internal bump stop. Note: Remove the lower shock mounting bolt (verify exact head type and size against the DB9 workshop manual before selecting a socket). Note: Remove the lower shock mounting bolt using the appropriate socket (verify exact fastener head type and size against DB9 workshop manual).
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted on the trailing arm or hub carrier. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling firmly. Remove the sensor mounting bolt (verify exact head type and size against the DB9 workshop manual) and secure the sensor away from the work area to prevent damage during trailing arm removal. Note: Remove the sensor mounting bolt (verify the exact head type and size against service documentation) and secure the sensor away from the work area to prevent damage during trailing arm removal. Note: Remove the sensor mounting bolt (verify exact head type and size against DB9 workshop manual)
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm rear chassis mounting
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting point at the chassis. This is typically a large through-bolt passing through a rubber bushing. Remove the mounting nut and bolt using the appropriate sockets (verify the exact head type and size against the DB9 workshop manual). The bolt may require significant force to remove due to bushing compression. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation. Note: Remove the mounting nut and bolt using the appropriate socket (verify exact head type and size against DB9 workshop manual). Note: Unverified — confirm exact fastener head type (likely hex) and size against the DB9 workshop manual
   ⚠The trailing arm will shift when this bolt is removed. Ensure the floor jack is properly supporting the hub assembly.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm front chassis mounting
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting point at the chassis. Remove the front mounting nut and bolt. This bolt also passes through a rubber bushing and may require a breaker bar. As you remove this final mounting point, control the trailing arm to prevent it from falling. Note the position of any alignment shims or eccentric cam bolts, if fitted at this location (confirm against service documentation whether rear camber/toe is adjusted here or at the lower wishbone). Note: Note the position of any alignment shims or eccentric washers present, and verify against the DB9 workshop manual which suspension point provides rear camber/toe adjustment. Note: Note the position of any alignment shims or eccentric/cam adjusters if present (verify rear camber/toe adjustment method against DB9 workshop manual). Note: Unverified — confirm against the DB9 workshop manual whether rear camber/toe is adjusted at this point or at the lower wishbone, and whether eccentric cam bolts/shims are fitted
   ⚠Mark or photograph the position of any eccentric washers or alignment shims before removal to aid in initial alignment during reinstallation.
7. 7

   Disconnect trailing arm from hub assembly
   With both chassis mounting points disconnected, locate the connection point between the trailing arm and the hub carrier. This is secured by fasteners passing through the hub carrier into the trailing arm (verify the exact count and size against the DB9 workshop manual). Remove these hub-to-trailing-arm bolts. Lower the floor jack slowly and maneuver the trailing arm out of the wheel well. The arm may need to be rotated or angled to clear brake lines and other components. Note: This connection is secured by the hub-to-trailing-arm bolt(s) — confirm the exact count and size against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. Note: This is typically secured by one or more bolts passing through the hub carrier into the trailing arm (verify exact count and size against DB9 workshop manual). Note: Count and head type unverified — confirm exact quantity and fastener type (likely hex-head) against the DB9 workshop manual
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   With the trailing arm removed, inspect all chassis mounting points for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Check the bushing mounting surfaces on the new trailing arm. Clean all mounting bolt holes and threads with a wire brush. Inspect the hub carrier mounting surface for damage or wear.
9. 9

   Install new trailing arm to hub assembly
   Position the new trailing arm into the wheel well and align it with the hub carrier mounting points. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust the height of the hub assembly. Install the hub-to-trailing-arm bolts finger-tight. Do not fully torque these bolts yet; they will be torqued to specification with the vehicle at ride height.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install trailing arm chassis mounting bolts
    Align the trailing arm front bushing with the chassis mounting point. Install the front mounting bolt and nut finger-tight, ensuring any eccentric washers or shims are positioned as noted during removal. Repeat for the rear chassis mounting point. Use alignment pins or drift punches if needed to align the bolt holes. Do not fully torque these bolts yet.
    ℹ️All suspension mounting bolts must be torqued with the vehicle at ride height to prevent bushing wind-up and premature failure.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Position the shock absorber lower mounting eye to the trailing arm or hub assembly mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and torque to specification immediately as this fastener does not require ride-height torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect ABS sensor and sway bar link
    Reinstall the ABS wheel speed sensor into its mounting location and tighten the mounting bolt. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place. Position the sway bar link to the trailing arm mounting point, hold the shaft with an Allen key, and install the upper mounting nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread the lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle so all weight is on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts89 Nm (66 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque suspension mounting bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight fully on the wheels, torque all trailing arm mounting bolts in this sequence: First, torque the hub-to-trailing-arm bolts to specification. Second, torque the front chassis mounting bolt to specification. Third, torque the rear chassis mounting bolt to specification. This sequence ensures proper bushing orientation and prevents premature wear.
    ⚠️Do not torque suspension bushings with the vehicle on jack stands. Bushings must be torqued at ride height or they will fail prematurely due to pre-loading.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification at the correct stage (ride height for bushing bolts, immediately for non-bushing connections)
3. Double-check that the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper ABS function by observing that the ABS warning light extinguishes after startup
• Verify that all mounting bolts remain tight after initial test drive
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment as soon as possible after trailing arm replacement to verify camber, toe, and caster settings

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