Trunk Hinge

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the trunk hinge assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including trunk trim removal and hinge-to-body fastener access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk hinge assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification (left/right specific)
• Trunk trim panel clips (if damaged) — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Open the trunk lid fully and prop it open in a safe position
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal if the trunk has electric motors or lighting you need to disconnect
3. Protect the rear bumper and trunk opening with towels or fender covers to prevent scratches during work
4. Verify which hinge is being replaced (left or right side) and order the correct side-specific part

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove trunk side trim panel
   Identify the trunk side trim panel covering the hinge mounting area on the affected side. Locate the trim panel retaining clips around the perimeter. Using plastic trim tools, carefully pry the panel away from the body starting at the rear edge and working forward. The panel is typically retained by clips; verify the specific clip or fastener type against OEM documentation before prying. Set the panel aside and note the clip locations for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove trunk liner at hinge area
   The hinge mounting bolts are accessed through the trunk side area. Remove the carpet or fabric liner section that covers the hinge tower. This liner section is typically held by several clips or Torx fasteners. Locate and remove all fasteners securing the liner in the hinge area, then fold or remove the liner to expose the hinge mounting bolts on the body side.
3. 3

   Mark hinge position
   Before loosening any fasteners, use a paint pen or marker to trace the outline of the hinge mounting position on both the trunk lid side and the body side. Mark the position of any adjustment shims if present. This reference will be critical for proper trunk alignment during reinstallation.
4. 4

   Support trunk lid
   Have a helper support the trunk lid weight, or position a padded stand or jack with padding under the trunk lid to prevent it from dropping when the hinge fasteners are loosened. The trunk lid is heavy enough to cause injury or damage if unsupported, so keep it supported throughout.
5. 5

   Loosen trunk lid side hinge fasteners
   Locate the hinge-to-trunk lid mounting fasteners. The hinge-to-trunk-lid fasteners may be Torx or hex-head; verify the exact drive type against OEM documentation before selecting a bit. Loosen (but do not fully remove yet) the hinge-to-trunk-lid bolts using the appropriate bit; verify the exact bolt count and drive type against OEM documentation before proceeding. Keep track of any shims or spacers present at this joint. Note: Loosen (but do not fully remove yet) the bolts securing the hinge to the trunk lid using the appropriate bit (verify exact bolt count and head type against OEM documentation). Note: Bolt count and drive size unverified — confirm against Aston Martin OEM documentation
6. 6

   Remove body side hinge fasteners
   Access the hinge-to-body mounting bolts through the opening created by removing the trunk liner. These fasteners secure the hinge tower to the body structure. Remove the hinge-to-body bolts using the appropriate bit or socket; verify the exact bolt count and drive type against OEM documentation before proceeding. Support the hinge assembly as you remove the final fastener. Note: Remove the bolts attaching the hinge to the body using the appropriate bit or socket (verify exact bolt count and head type against OEM documentation). Note: Bolt count and drive size unverified — confirm against Aston Martin OEM documentation
7. 7

   Remove trunk lid side fasteners and hinge
   With the body side now free, fully remove the trunk lid side bolts that were previously loosened. Carefully remove the hinge assembly from the vehicle. Note the lift-assist configuration (torsion bar, spring, or gas strut) and its attachment points, and the orientation of any spacers or shims integrated into the hinge mounting; confirm the actual mechanism against OEM documentation. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both body and trunk lid for damage or elongated bolt holes. Note: Note the orientation of any springs, torsion bars, gas struts, or lift mechanisms associated with the hinge; confirm the actual lift-assist configuration against OEM documentation.
8. 8

   Install new hinge to body
   Position the new hinge assembly to the body mounting location, aligning it with the marks made during removal or with any existing bolt hole patterns. Install the body-side mounting bolts (count per OEM documentation) and tighten to the OEM-specified torque for the trunk hinge fasteners. Ensure any springs or torsion elements are correctly oriented as per the removed hinge. Note: Install the body-side mounting bolts and tighten to the OEM-specified torque (verify exact bolt count and torque value against Aston Martin documentation).
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Attach hinge to trunk lid
   With a helper supporting the trunk lid, align the hinge to the trunk lid mounting flange using the reference marks made earlier. Install any shims that were present during removal. Install the trunk-lid-side bolts (count per OEM documentation) and tighten to the OEM-specified torque for the trunk hinge fasteners. Do not fully close the trunk yet; verify alignment first. Note: Install the trunk lid side bolts and tighten to the OEM-specified torque (verify exact bolt count and torque value against Aston Martin documentation).
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Check trunk lid alignment
    Carefully close the trunk lid partially and check the alignment with the body panels (rear quarter panels and bumper). Check the gaps and flush fit on all sides. If adjustment is needed, loosen the trunk lid side bolts slightly and shift the lid position, then retighten. Aston Martin trunk lids require precise alignment for proper appearance and seal function.
11. 11

    Reinstall trunk liner and trim
    Once alignment is verified, reinstall the trunk liner section over the hinge area, securing it with all original fasteners or clips. Reinstall the trunk side trim panel by aligning the clips with their mounting holes and pressing firmly until all clips engage. Verify all trim pieces are secure and properly seated.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify trunk lid closes smoothly without binding and latches properly
3. Check that all trunk trim panels are secure and aligned
4. Reconnect the negative battery terminal if it was disconnected

Verification

• Open and close the trunk lid several times to verify smooth operation without binding or squeaking
• Verify trunk lid alignment with surrounding body panels, checking for even gaps of approximately 4-5mm on all sides
• Confirm the trunk lid sits flush with the rear quarter panels and does not sit high or low
• Check that the trunk seal makes even contact around the entire perimeter when closed
• Verify trunk latch engages properly and holds the lid secure

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