Brake Bleed - All Four

Complete brake system bleed procedure for all four wheels to remove air and ensure proper brake pedal feel and stopping performance on the 2017 Maserati Levante.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification only

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Verify you have at least 1 quart of fresh, unopened DOT 4 Racing brake fluid meeting Maserati specifications.
3. Open brake fluid reservoir and inspect fluid level and condition. If fluid is dark or contaminated, complete fluid flush is recommended.
4. Using turkey baster or syringe, remove old brake fluid from reservoir down to MIN line. Dispose of properly.
5. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing fluid. Keep bottle of fresh fluid accessible throughout procedure.
6. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at all four corners. Never work under vehicle supported only by jack.
7. Remove all four wheels to access brake caliper bleeder screws.
8. Locate bleeder screw on each caliper (typically on top/rear of caliper body). Clean area around each bleeder to prevent contamination.

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare bleeding sequence and equipment
   Standard brake bleeding sequence for this vehicle is: Right Rear, Left Rear, Right Front, Left Front (furthest from master cylinder to closest). Prepare clear tubing that fits snugly over bleeder screw nipple and submerge other end in catch bottle with small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air re-entry. If using pressure bleeder, connect to reservoir per manufacturer instructions and pressurize to 15-20 PSI maximum.
2. 2

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Starting at right rear wheel, attach clear tubing to bleeder screw. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold firm pressure (or use pressure bleeder). Using 10mm box-end wrench, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Observe fluid flowing through clear tube - watch for air bubbles. When pedal reaches floor (or fluid flow slows with pressure bleeder), close bleeder screw before releasing pedal. Repeat process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles (typically 5-10 repetitions). Check and refill reservoir to MAX line between every 3-4 pedal pumps.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to left rear wheel and repeat bleeding process. Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold, then open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Watch for air bubbles in expelled fluid. Close bleeder screw before releasing pedal pressure. Continue until fluid runs clear with no bubbles. Torque bleeder screw to specification - do not overtighten as they are easily damaged. Check reservoir level frequently.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to right front wheel. Repeat bleeding procedure: attach tubing, pump pedal and hold (or maintain pressure bleeder pressure), open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn, observe fluid flow, close bleeder before releasing pressure. Continue until absolutely no air bubbles are visible in clear tubing. Front calipers typically require more cycles due to larger caliper volume. Maintain reservoir level above MIN line at all times.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed left front caliper
   Complete bleeding sequence at left front wheel (closest to master cylinder). This caliper should bleed quickly if previous calipers were done properly. Attach tubing, pump and hold pedal, open bleeder screw, observe fluid (should be clear with no bubbles almost immediately), close bleeder. Perform at least 5-6 cycles even if fluid appears clean to ensure complete air evacuation. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Perform secondary bleeding pass if needed
   If brake pedal feel is still soft or spongy, repeat entire bleeding sequence (RR, LR, RF, LF) one additional time. Air can be stubborn to remove from ABS module and caliper passages. For vehicles with advanced ABS systems, complete bleeding may require scan tool to cycle ABS pump and open internal valves - this allows trapped air in ABS module to be expelled. Check service manual for ABS bleeding requirements.
7. 7

   Final reservoir fill and inspection
   With all bleeder screws closed and torqued to specification, fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing fluid. Wipe away any spilled fluid from reservoir area and caliper surfaces. Inspect each bleeder screw for leaks - retighten if necessary but do not exceed torque specification. Verify all bleeder dust caps are reinstalled.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall all four wheels. Start lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (not circular pattern) to ensure even seating. Perform torque sequence in 3 stages: first to 50 Nm, then 100 Nm, finally to full 140 Nm specification.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and perform pedal pump test
   Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands back to ground. Before starting engine, pump brake pedal firmly 15-20 times. Pedal should become firm and build pressure. If pedal goes to floor or feels excessively soft, air remains in system - repeat bleeding procedure. Once firm pedal is achieved, start engine (power brakes will engage) and verify pedal remains firm with engine running.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing fluid and cap is securely installed.
2. Double-check all four bleeder screws are torqued to 10 Nm and have no leaks.
3. Confirm all four wheels are installed with lug nuts torqued to 140 Nm in proper star pattern.
4. Dispose of old brake fluid properly at recycling center or automotive shop - never pour down drain.

Verification

• With engine running, firmly depress brake pedal - it should feel solid and not sink toward floor. Pedal travel should be approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of total travel before firm resistance.
• Perform stationary brake application test: with engine running, apply firm brake pressure and hold for 30 seconds. Pedal should not slowly sink - if it does, internal leak or remaining air is present.
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 20 mph): verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side, pedal feel is firm and confident, and no warning lights illuminate on dashboard.
• After test drive, re-check all bleeder screws and brake line connections for any signs of leakage.
• Check brake fluid reservoir level after test drive - slight drop is normal but significant loss indicates leak.
• If ABS or brake warning light illuminates, or if pedal feel is not firm and confident, DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. Have system inspected by qualified technician with proper diagnostic equipment.
• Perform final lug nut torque verification after 50-100 miles of driving.

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