ABS Tone Ring

Replace the ABS tone ring on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD by removing the wheel hub assembly, installing a new tone ring, and reassembling the brake and suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub assembly (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (single-use) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting hardware kit × 1 — Optional replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove wheel completely
5. Clean the work area around the hub, brake caliper, and suspension components with brake cleaner
6. Inspect ABS sensor for damage and clean sensor tip with brake cleaner

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the brake caliper by loosening the caliper bolts. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake line. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. If the rotor is seized, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a rubber mallet.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the steering knuckle or suspension tower. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove any mounting clips or brackets securing the sensor wire. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub assembly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove axle nut and separate CV axle
   Remove the center axle nut using a breaker bar and appropriate socket. This nut requires significant force. Once removed, use a brass drift or soft-faced hammer to tap the CV axle shaft back slightly to break the spline engagement with the hub. The axle does not need to be fully removed but must be separated from the hub.
   ⚠The axle nut is torqued to very high specification and is single-use. Discard after removal.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   Locate the hub assembly mounting bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle (typically 3-4 bolts). Remove these bolts completely. The hub assembly can now be separated from the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract hub assembly from knuckle
   Using a hub puller or slide hammer with appropriate adapter, carefully extract the wheel hub assembly from the steering knuckle. Apply even pressure and avoid cocking the hub at an angle. If the hub is severely seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before attempting removal again.
   ⚠Improper extraction technique can damage the hub bearing or steering knuckle. Use proper extraction tools.
7. 7

   Remove old ABS tone ring
   Inspect the old tone ring on the hub assembly. The tone ring may be pressed on, crimped, or bolted depending on design. If pressed, use a press or appropriate bearing separator to remove the tone ring from the hub. If bolted, remove fasteners and slide off. Clean the hub surface thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush, removing all rust, debris, and old adhesive.
   ℹ️Inspect hub bearing for damage during tone ring removal. Replace hub assembly if bearing shows wear, roughness, or damage.
8. 8

   Install new ABS tone ring
   Position the new ABS tone ring on the hub assembly in the correct orientation. Ensure the toothed surface faces outward toward where the ABS sensor will be positioned. If press-fit, use a hydraulic press with proper support fixtures to press the tone ring squarely onto the hub until fully seated. If bolted, apply thread locker to fasteners and torque per specification. Verify the tone ring is perpendicular to the hub axis and does not wobble.
   ⚠The tone ring must be perfectly aligned and seated. Any runout or misalignment will cause ABS sensor reading errors.
9. 9

   Reinstall hub assembly to knuckle
   Clean the hub mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the knuckle bore if desired (avoid getting any on the tone ring). Install the hub assembly into the knuckle, ensuring proper alignment. Install the hub mounting bolts and torque to specification in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall CV axle and axle nut
    Align the CV axle splines with the hub and push the axle into engagement. Install a new axle nut and hand-thread. Torque the axle nut to manufacturer specification (consult service manual for exact value as it is not provided in torque spec list). Stake or install cotter pin as per design.
    ℹ️Axle nut torque specification is critical and typically very high (200+ Nm). Verify exact specification in factory service manual.
11. 11

    Verify ABS sensor air gap
    Before reinstalling the ABS sensor, measure the air gap between the tone ring teeth and the sensor mounting bore using a digital caliper. The air gap should typically be 0.5-1.5mm. Clean the ABS sensor tip thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Install the sensor and torque the mounting bolt to specification.
    ℹ️Excessive air gap or metal debris on sensor tip will prevent proper ABS function.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper bracket
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Clean rotor surfaces with brake cleaner to remove protective coating. Position the caliper bracket and install bracket bolts. Apply thread locker to bolts as specified and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Inspect caliper slide pins and apply silicone brake grease if needed. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and brake pads. Install caliper bolts with thread locker and torque to specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector and secure sensor wire with mounting clips.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts92 Nm (68 lb-ft)

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification, especially caliper bolts and hub mounting bolts
2. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
3. Pump brake pedal several times to restore proper brake pad positioning before driving

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during self-test then extinguishes
• Use a scan tool to read ABS system for fault codes; clear any stored codes related to wheel speed sensor
• Test drive at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area and verify no ABS warning lights appear
• Perform a controlled ABS activation test in a safe area to verify proper system function
• Verify no abnormal noises from the wheel bearing or brake assembly during driving
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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