I replaced the strut on my V8V today and it looks different than the DB9 pictures posted, but the rest of the post applies the same. The picture below was taken looking at the back of the wheel well toward the front of the door. I am slow- took me 2.5 hrs...

 

Other than this part is anything else needed?

http://astonmartinbits.com/models/3-DBS/parts/996

Going to order two of these soon!

 

That's it! And the struts are universal-same one works for L or R.

 

Tip:

If you do this on a lift to make under tray and wheel well liner removal easy, you MUST be able to open the doors ALL the way, otherwise you'll not be able to install the new strut since you will not be able to compress it to attach both ends to the ball mounts.

I learned this the hard way. Had to take my car off the lift, back it up, and lift it again so I could open the door enough.

 

Just thought I'd add to the thread. Got around to doing mine this afternoon. Wow, what a difference. Relatively inexpensive ($57 from my nearest dealer) and done in about an hour.

 

Congrats! Probably the best fix ya never really know you needed. (until you do it

 

I have to do mine also but it is hard to believe that AM never install a strap or something that would prevent anyone from over extending the struts... That is the main reason as to why those fail so quickly. My passenger side doesn't hold very good while the driver is perfectly fine, I will probably replace both and keep my driver side as a spare.

 

What makes you think that has anything to do with failure? It's just loss of pressure over time.

 

You are correct "over time" but not in 30,000km or less for some people. I just replaced trunk struts on a 150,000km car... that is over time. The problem is when you open your door and go all the way to the end of the strut, it over extend it and create premature wear. Now do that every day and you end up with what we have here, if a little strap would be along the strut but like 1/2 inch shorter than the maximum length of the strut then you couldn't over extend it and protect it at the same time. Anyway, I will try to see if I can come up with something over the summer and post back.

 

Don't believe that for one minute. There's no problem with the design usage and a strap isn't going to make a bit of difference. Better strut materials/seals would make a difference to retaining pressure.

 

Having to relearn how to enter and exit the car. Used to having one hand holding the door open. A good problem to have.

 

Ordered the struts from astonmartinbits.com and installed them this morning for my 2009 DB9 Volante.

The first one took more time. I was very careful since this is the first time I've worked on this car. The second one went much faster and now I don't have to play defense with the door when exiting the car.

Thanks!

Jim

 

Yep, Did mine last month. I used a piece of foam in the door jam to position the door where I could get the most direct access to the struts and clips. A "door" person would have been great. The many DYI posting on this forum was the big plus to tackle this needed change out. My suggestion- Don't get into a rush. It took me a little over an hour on the first one and about 1/2hr on the second. Make yourself plenty of room (yes, remove the side marker light) and light up the internal space up (I used a small LED light). I should have done this sooner!