Air Spring/Air Bag

Replace the rear air spring/air bag assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante equipped with air suspension, including disconnection of electrical connections and air lines.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Maserati part number
• Air line O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Connect diagnostic scanner and enter air suspension service mode to depressurize system completely
4. Allow air suspension system to fully depressurize (approximately 3-5 minutes)
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands at designated chassis lift points
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper air spring mounting area
   From inside cargo area, remove rear cargo trim panel and interior side trim to access the upper air spring mount. On Levante models, this requires removing cargo floor panels and side trim clips. Locate the air spring tower and electrical connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect air spring electrical connector
   Disconnect the air spring height sensor electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Note connector orientation for reinstallation. Carefully route connector away from work area.
3. 3

   Support suspension assembly
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm or suspension knuckle to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise jack just enough to take up the weight but not to compress the suspension. This prevents components from dropping when air spring is removed.
4. 4

   Remove upper air spring mounting nuts
   From the cargo area access point, remove the upper air spring mounting nuts securing the air spring to the body. There are typically three nuts arranged in a triangular pattern. Keep nuts for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect air supply line
   Using air line disconnect tool, depress the retainer collar on the air spring's air supply line fitting and pull the air line straight out. Verify no residual pressure escapes. If air escapes, system was not fully depressurized - stop and return to service mode. Cap or cover the air line to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Detach lower air spring mounting
   From underneath vehicle, locate the lower air spring mounting bracket attached to the lower control arm or dedicated mounting point. Remove mounting bolts securing the lower portion of the air spring assembly. The air spring may be integrated with or adjacent to the shock absorber mounting point.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove air spring assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack slightly to create clearance. Guide the air spring assembly downward and out from the wheel well, maneuvering around brake lines and suspension components. Take care not to damage the air line port or height sensor bracket during removal.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and transfer components
   Inspect upper and lower mounting points for corrosion or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush if necessary. If height sensor is reusable and separate from air spring, transfer it to new air spring assembly. Replace air line O-rings with new ones from kit.
9. 9

   Install new air spring assembly
   Position new air spring assembly into the wheel well, aligning the lower mounting bracket first. Raise floor jack to guide air spring into position. Apply light coat of anti-seize to upper mounting studs if not pre-coated. Ensure air line port is accessible and properly oriented.
10. 10

    Secure lower mounting
    Install and hand-tighten lower mounting bolts. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads as per Maserati specifications. Torque lower mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure upper mounting
    From cargo area, install upper mounting nuts onto studs. Ensure air spring is properly seated against mounting surface. Torque upper mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect air supply line
    Push air supply line firmly into air spring fitting until it clicks and locks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection. Ensure line is not kinked or stressed.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect height sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify connector lock is engaged. Route wiring to prevent interference with suspension travel.
14. 14

    Remove support and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower and remove floor jack from under suspension. Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle until wheel just contacts ground (but vehicle weight still on jack stands) and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior cargo trim panels and clips in reverse order of removal
2. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
3. Ensure no tools or parts remain in wheel well or cargo area
4. Lower vehicle completely to ground

Verification

• With diagnostic scanner, exit service mode and command system to repressurize air suspension
• Monitor air spring inflation through diagnostic scanner - it should pressurize smoothly without leaks
• Verify correct ride height is achieved on repaired side and matches opposite side
• Check for air leaks around air line connection using soapy water solution
• Perform visual inspection of air spring for proper seating and clearance during suspension articulation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or handling issues
• Recheck ride height after test drive - it should remain stable
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes if present and verify no new codes appear

More procedures for this vehicle