drivetrain

Axle Seal - Rear

for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace the rear axle seal on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD to stop differential fluid leaks at the axle shaft interface.

Warnings

⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a floor jack.

⚠Differential fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow time to cool.

ℹ️This procedure assumes the leaking seal is on the driver or passenger side. Identify the leaking side before beginning.

⚠️The axle nut requires significant torque (250 Nm). Ensure proper socket engagement to avoid rounding.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (10-300 Nm range)Essential

21mm socket for wheel lug nutsEssential

30mm axle nut socketEssential

Breaker barEssential

Seal puller or slide hammer with hook attachmentEssential

Seal driver set or large socket matching seal ODEssential

Pry bar

Drain pan (3+ quart capacity)Essential

Fluid pump for differential refillEssential

10mm hex/Allen socket setEssential

Wire brush

Shop ragsEssential

Rubber mallet

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Parts

Rear axle seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification if staked type
Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points.
Remove rear wheel on the side with the leaking seal.
Place drain pan underneath differential.

Procedure

1
Break loose axle nut
Have an assistant apply brakes or use a pry bar to prevent axle rotation. Use breaker bar with 30mm socket to break loose the axle nut. Do not remove completely yet.
2
Disconnect CV joint from differential flange
Locate the CV joint bolts connecting the axle shaft to the differential output flange. Remove all CV joint bolts using 10mm hex socket. Support the axle shaft to prevent it from hanging on the CV joint boot.
Torque spec
CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3
Remove axle nut and withdraw axle shaft
Completely remove the axle nut from the hub. Pull the axle shaft outward from the hub assembly. You may need to tap the end with a rubber mallet. Once free from hub, carefully maneuver the entire axle shaft assembly out from under the vehicle.
Torque spec
Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4
Drain differential fluid
Remove the differential cover bolts using appropriate socket. Carefully pry the cover away from the housing, allowing fluid to drain into the pan. Remove and discard old gasket material. Clean both mating surfaces thoroughly with wire brush and solvent.
⚠Fluid will flow out quickly when cover is removed. Position drain pan to catch all fluid.
Torque spec
Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5
Remove old axle seal
Inspect the axle seal location in the differential housing. Use seal puller or slide hammer with hook attachment to extract the old seal from the housing bore. Work carefully to avoid damaging the housing bore surface. Clean the seal bore thoroughly, removing any debris or old seal material.
6
Install new axle seal
Lightly lubricate the outer diameter of the new seal with clean differential fluid. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring-loaded lip facing inward toward the differential. Use seal driver or appropriately sized socket to drive the seal evenly into the housing until it seats flush with the housing face. Do not cock the seal during installation.
⚠Ensure seal is driven in straight and square. A cocked seal will leak immediately.
7
Reinstall differential cover
Install new gasket or apply RTV sealant to differential cover mating surface per manufacturer specifications. Position cover onto housing and install all differential cover bolts. Torque bolts in a crisscross pattern to specification.
Torque spec
Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8
Refill differential with gear oil
Using fluid pump, refill differential through fill plug opening with 2.0 quarts of 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Fill until fluid begins to seep from fill hole, indicating proper level. Reinstall fill plug.
9
Reinstall axle shaft assembly
Inspect CV joint boot for damage. Lubricate axle seal lip with clean gear oil. Carefully guide the axle shaft through the seal, taking care not to damage the seal lip. Push axle shaft through until it fully seats in the hub. Install new axle nut and tighten by hand.
10
Reconnect CV joint to differential flange
Align CV joint with differential output flange. Install CV joint bolts and torque to specification in a crisscross pattern.
Torque spec
CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11
Torque axle nut
Have assistant apply brakes or use pry bar to prevent rotation. Torque axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) using calibrated torque wrench. If axle nut is staked-type, use appropriate punch to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. If cotter pin type, install new cotter pin.
⚠️Axle nut must be torqued to specification and properly secured with new cotter pin or staking to prevent loosening during operation.
Torque spec
Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Install wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification.
Verify differential fill level is correct before test drive.
Double-check that axle nut is properly secured with new cotter pin or staking.

Verification

Visually inspect the axle seal area for any signs of leakage immediately after installation.
Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, then re-inspect seal area for leaks.
Check differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.
Verify no unusual noises or vibrations from rear axle during test drive.
After 50-100 miles, perform final inspection of seal area and re-check fluid level.

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