SERVICE ACTION RECALL

To: ALL IMPORTERS/DEALERS For the attention of: The Service Manager Please copy to: The Parts Manager The Dealer Principal Aston Martin Technician(s) V8 Vantage 70001 70167 Rear Hub Carrier to Rear Axle De Dion Tube Attachment Integrity Reference: SAR 005

Model: Vin Range: Subject:

Issued: April 2000

Page: 2 of 7

Throughout the production life of V8 Vantage three different methods of De Dion rear axle tube assembly have been employed to facilitate continuous manufacture. As a consequence of these design changes, routine design verification accelerated durability tests have been carried out to validate the long-term in-service robustness of each component. The result of this testing has predicted that one of the three variants employed has the potential to suffer from stress cracks between the rear hub to axle tube interface, following extended use, which could result in impeded rear road wheel stability should failure occur. Although we have not experienced actual field failures in service, and our conclusions are based wholly on accelerated rig testing and computer simulated analysis, as a precaution we have decided to formally Recall all vehicles within the affected VIN ranges. This action will facilitate a physical inspection to verify which type of De Dion rear axle is fitted to each vehicle, also as necessary enable replacement of the assembly should it prove to be one of the suspect batch. IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES WITHIN THE LISTED VIN RANGES MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED BY OTHER SERVICE ACTION CAMPAIGNS, THEREFORE YOU SHOULD PLAN YOUR ACTIONS TO AVOID CUSTOMERS HAVING TO MAKE SEPARATE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP. IN ORDER TO AVOID POSSIBLE DUPLICATION OF THIS SERVICE ACTION RECALL, PLEASE CONTACT OUR WARRANTY & RECORDS DEPT (QUOTING VIN and SAR 005) FOR CLARIFICATION, PRIOR TO COMMENCING WITH THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. !: +44 1908 619103 Fax: +44 1908 216933

SAR 005 Page 3 of 7 Workshop Procedure to inspect the De Dion 1. Fit the vehicle protection kit and drive the vehicle onto a suitable wheel free vehicle hoist and raise to a convenient working height. 2. Ensure suitable inspection illumination and decide which of the following illustrations is appropriate. Identify the fixing method of the hub carrier to De Dion assembly. It may be necessary to use a wire brush to clear any excess paint to visibly confirm a brazed joint axle assembly. NB: Axle replacement is only required should the puddle welded scenario be discovered. Displaced puddle welded rear axles should be scrapped on removal.

SAR 005 Page 4 of 7 Workshop procedure to replace the De Dion Axle: 1. Raise and safely support the rear of the car and remove the road wheels. 2. Disconnect the exhaust assembly from the rear of the cruciform and with assistance remove this from the vehicle.

3. Slacken the outer driveshaft nut using the following tools from the Phase 2 tool board, 36mm socket 43-26721 and hub holding tool, part number: 43-26719. Fit brake pipe clamps, part number: 43-26737, to both rear flexible hoses therefore preventing the need for a hydraulic bleeding operation. Remove and support the rear brake calipers, disconnect and remove the rear brake discs and the outer driveshaft nuts. Disconnect and remove the ABS sensors from the rear hubs. Disconnect and remove the anti-roll bar joint from the upright on each side.

SAR 005 Page 5 of 7

4. Slacken and remove the inner driveshaft fixing bolts (six per side), and remove the driveshaft. Repeat for the opposite driveshaft. 5. Support the De Dion tube assembly, then slacken and remove the shock absorber fixings and remove the shock absorbers. WARNING: When removing the shock absorber bolt, the rear road spring must be compressed, therefore exercise extreme caution when removing the bolt and De Dion supports. Then remove the coil springs and disconnect the watts linkage from the De Dion tube. NB: the De Dion tube is now only supported by the longitudinal links. 6. Remove any supports and lower the vehicle to ground level. 7. Remove the four longitudinal link fixings from the chassis and allow the De Dion assembly to rest on the ground and raise the vehicle leaving the De Dion on the ground. Transfer the De Dion to a convenient working area to transfer the hub assemblies and the longitudinal links to the new De Dion tube assembly. 8. Remove yokes from De Dion after removal of longitudinals, then remove hubs. 9. To refit reverse the above procedure, ensuring the following fixings are correctly torqued to the following figures. Description Outer driveshaft nut Wheel bearing retaining fixing Rear lower shock absorber bolt Caliper fixing bolts Road wheel nuts Longitudinal link to chassis Longitudinal link to De Dion tube Yoke to De Dion lbs.ft 360 + loctite 242 100 50 75 70 60 60 75

SAR 005 Page 6 of 7 Note: Use Blue 242 Loctite on all bolts when assembling. Parts Requirements: The parts listed below should be ordered directly from Aston Martin, Parts Operations:Description De Dion Rear Axle Assembly Yoke to De Dion Screw Durlok Driveshaft M24 nut Lower Damper Fixing M12 Nyloc Part Number 26-72958 697916 693999 692093 Quantity one as required 8 2 2

Warranty Administration: Claims should be submitted in the normal manner quoting reference SAR 005 and the complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This will result in the appropriate reimbursement of costs. A labour time of 0.25 hours will be allowed for the inspection only element of the Service Action Recall, alternatively a labour time of 08.00 hours inclusive will be allowed for the completion of this Service Action Recall. (Repair operation number 34-1-10) Displaced puddle welded rear axles should be scrapped on removal. If you have any queries in connection with this Service Action Recall please contact Aston Martin Customer Services on !: +44 1908 619100/1/2 or facsimile: +44 1908 216933. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

SAR 005 page 7 of 7 SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR LETTER FROM DEALER TO CUSTOMER Dear Vehicle Safety Recall As the owner of an Aston Martin, I am sure you know that we and Aston Martin Lagonda Limited continue to work very closely together to ensure that we achieve and maintain the highest standards of product quality and integrity. As part of the regular reviews which we conduct with Aston Martin Lagonda, we have been advised of a possible concern regarding the De Dion rear axle which is fitted to your vehicle, which could potentially result in impeded rear road wheel stability, should a failure occur. In order to ensure that this item is to the correct manufacturers specification, might I ask you to contact our Service Receptionist, Mr/Mrs/Ms?? On !: 000 at the earliest opportunity to agree a time when we can inspect your vehicle and if necessary complete any rectification. The inspection alone takes only 15 minutes, although should the rear axle require replacement rectification it should take no more than eight hours, and will be completed free of charge. I apologise in advance for any possible inconvenience that this work may cause you, but thank you in advance for your patience and consideration. If you have any queries in this regard please do not hesitate to contact me on !: 000000. Yours sincerely

Service Manager (Name) Dealer Name