DB7 GT / GTA front subframe bushes - update to parts manual

[GTDB7]

For anyone with a GT or GTA, please check the AMOC forum under the Bloxham section as I have posted an update to the Parts Manual.

The front bushes for the GT / GTA are incorrectly detailed for the GT versions. There are extra parts required and the part numbers are not correct for the GT / GTA.


Here is a direct link for as long as the post remains visible:

http://www.amoc.org/forum/index.php?topic=19180.0

[rick-derby-]

Hi Phil you are correct they are listed as bushes in the parts description although on a parts order they are correctly listed as the snubber, also as the price is only around £6.00 where as the bushes are normally around £25.00 to a specialist or dealer this is quite evident and not a new thing did you order by part number or ask for the front subframe bushes, if ordering by part number it is always wise to stipulate what it should be just to clarify,

[GTDB7]

Hi Rick..

I ordered by name, Front Subframe Bushes, which on the parts list have the part number I received, which is the snubber.

There is another item in the list which I haven't ordered as yet anyway.. 23-125127-AA listed as "Washer, bush front mounting" I presume this is a plain washer? or could this be the snubber? as it's listed under item 61 which is the actual bush itself.


The parts list I have is one I purchased from AM this year, which is dated May 2004.

[rick-derby-]

the bush is 23-80973 for the coupe, the snubber is not shown in the images but listed against 61 which does confuse matters, but in the ordering system it is correctly listed as FRONT SIX SHOOTER BUSH SNUBBER - GT in the description which, i bet is on the paperwork you received, I can see where the mistake can be made but the price and description should have raised the question, not all items are pictured in the parts manuals for any of the models and the parts not shown are just listed, and the knowledge of what is what and where it fits only comes with experience, As I work on the cars and deal with the parts directly this gives me a better understanding as many of the people who deal with the parts within the dealer network have probably never had a spanner on a car and do have to rely on what's on the screen which isn't (as found with this part) always that easy,

[GTDB7]

Thanks Rick.

What you say makes perfect sense.


Whilst your attention is somewhat on this subject.. the reason behind my recent orders is to try and prevent me having to track the front wheel alignment too often.

It seems I need to do this every 2 - 3 months,, often I don't notice anything at all until tyre wear is visible,, obviously it doesn't take too much to scrub the edges of the S02's.

I'm already on my second pair this year and these are wearing pretty low on the inner / outer edges.

I've so far changed the front V-mount bushes as these were totally split apart, roll bar link bushes and washers.

Wheels have been refitted, balanced etc..

And I am about to change the front shock top mount bushes and the front subframe six shooter bushes and snubber's.

Is there anything else I should be looking into?

The car sailed through it's MOT at the end of August and I can never feel any play in any of the hubs, wishbones, etc when it's off the ground.

Do the racks fail or somehow jump internally to allow the track to run out? It's been as far as 8 degrees out, with the last time being between 2 - 3 degrees out.

Can't be long before I run out of adjustment.. hehe which kind of makes me think it might be rack related...

I'll be having it re-tracked once I have replaced the bushes mentioned above and will see how long that lasts for.

Thanks in advance for any info or help.

Phil.

[rick-derby-]

Hi phil any play or wear in bushes front or back can and do affect track readings, if the rear is incorrect this can set up a thrust line which will cause a crabbing effect and accelerate tyre wear also the other geom setting should be checked, with the DB7 the suspension is not forgiving and quite firm potholes etc are its enemy, It is not often we see wear in the racks and have not seen issues with the internals of the rack, also checking the front suspension as the coil spring loads the ball joints when lifted play in these items will not be seen easily, once lifted then the lower wishbone should also be raised to take the load off the spring then check for play, Also once the track is checked or adjusted road test and recheck if you are getting different then, your turn plates may be allowing deflection of the tyres so giving in accurate readings also making sure the suspension is fully settled before adjusting or checking not straight after jacking up, I may be stating the obvious to you but it is surprising how often these can be over looked,

[GTDB7]

Thanks Rick,

Last time it was done the car went on a drive-on ramp with turn plates. The steering wheel was centered and clamped in place.

Lasers were fitted to the wheels and the alignment checked. It was approx 2 - 3 degrees out, I can't remember exactly now.

Once zero'd the ramp was lowered to allow easier access and the steering wheel turned side to side then reset in the center position again.
The ramp re-raised and alignment re-checked, so this might get by an deflections either in tyres or the wheel plates.

I guess I will have to book it in for a full Geo setup at AM or a specialist before too long if this next step doesn't solve it.

4 wheel alignment, camber and castor settings probably all need setting at the same time to ensure it's spot on.

Probably early Spring next year as it won;t see a lot of use over the winter months.