Coil springs & Flexi hoses

[Cbeeston2000]

Hi all. DB9 Coupe 2007. Just had my MOT and yearly service today at my local indie. MOT passed with no advisories. But when on the ramp, they spotted my front offside coil spring has cracked and near splitting - they have suggested replacing both to prevent balancing issues at £407.97 each plus VAT, plus 5 hours total labour.

They have also said all 4 brake flexi hoses and ferrels have rusted, at a cost of £232.43 x2 for the front and £172.77 x2 for the rear - 2.5 hours labour total.

Finally the front anti roll bar D bushes have perished - £44.90 x2 and 1 hours labour. Everything here is excluding VAT, so in total looking at just over £3k

I believe all of these prices are from Aston themselves or Astonmartinbits - I am wondering if there are any obvious non- Aston replacements/ alternatives for any of the above? My local Indie have always been good to me and are only quoting astons part prices, but a 3k bill seems absurd. Especially the springs at £500 each inc Vat and the hoses £300/£200+ each!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. They say potholes have likely caused my spring issues, bloody british roads!

[Nigel_O]

How did the car pass an MOT with a cracked spring?

That said, my car was given an MOT with a broken spring at (probably) the best-known indy in the country, so just because it shouldn’t happen, doesn’t mean it can’t…

Man-maths got the better of me - replacing a single spring would have been daft and the suspension on my Vantage was knackered anyway, so I fronted up the £4k and had Nitrons fitted. Probably not the option you’re looking for - sorry…

[nickv12]

I realise it's a fair cost, but that's a good bit of stuff getting replaced. Hopefully, the car should feel better driving after all that.

Sounds counter-intuitive, but have you tried a main dealer? If you're upfront with what's been found and what the cost you've been quoted is. You never know - they may have the legacy parts in stock and be happy to finally shift them. If you're anywhere near HWM Aston Martin, I think they'd be happy to listen.

[dokkodo]

For the hoses in your place I would get stainless lines made up, at least you will not have to replace them again. I have not dealt with these guys but have them bookmarked for when I need them:

https://auto.helperformance.com

Would be interested to hear your experience if you decide this route.

Good Luck!

[DB4DM]

You could get stuff made which might save some money, but against what specification? And what consequence for value. A 17 year old car of any make is well into its "mid-life zone" with corrective maintenance often needed because of age not mileage

[vulcan26]

Powerflex anti-roll bar bushes?
https://www.powerflexsuspensionbushes.co.uk/powerf...

The flexible brake hoses do tend to corrode, but sometimes a going over with a wire brush makes them look not so bad afterwards. The price for these has doubled in the last 18 months for some reason, but you might be able to find them cheaper with some patience

[Cbeeston2000]

Thanks all for your responses. Seems generally will just have to cough up and take the hit - ouch! I tried HEL performance for the brake hoses but they said the bracket is too bespoke so not something theyd be able to offer unfortunately.

[dokkodo]

Cbeeston2000 said:

Thanks all for your responses. Seems generally will just have to cough up and take the hit - ouch! I tried HEL performance for the brake hoses but they said the bracket is too bespoke so not something theyd be able to offer unfortunately.

Hmm that's a pity indeed.

[Phil57DBS]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/amdiy/permalink/11...