Brake Drum - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear brake drums on a 2017 Maserati Levante. Note: The Levante uses a disc brake system; this procedure assumes parking brake drum-in-hat assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum (parking brake drum-in-hat) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Drum retaining screws (if equipped) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift points
5. Support vehicle securely with jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray all brake components with brake cleaner and allow to dry (do not inhale vapors)
8. Inspect rear brake system for any fluid leaks or damage before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake and access drum
   Release the parking brake from inside the vehicle. Verify that the parking brake cables are fully released and not binding. Inspect the rear brake caliper and rotor assembly. The parking brake drum is integrated into the center of the rear brake rotor (drum-in-hat design).
2. 2

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the brake caliper to the bracket. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the suspension using a wire hook or zip tie - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless replacement is required.
   ⚠Never allow the brake caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the caliper bracket to the wheel hub assembly. Remove the bracket and set aside. This will expose the brake rotor with integrated parking brake drum.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor/drum assembly
   If present, remove any rotor retaining screws using an impact driver or manual screwdriver. The brake rotor contains the parking brake drum in its center hub. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge and hat section to break it free from the hub. If still stuck, thread bolts into the jacking holes (if equipped) to press the rotor off, or use a brake drum puller on the drum portion.
   ⚠The rotor may be corroded to the hub. Do not strike the rotor friction surface with a hammer. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak if necessary.
5. 5

   Inspect parking brake shoes and hardware
   With the rotor/drum removed, inspect the parking brake shoes, springs, adjusters, and hardware inside the drum area of the hub assembly. Check for wear, damage, or contamination. The drum surface is on the inside of the rotor hat section. Measure the drum inner diameter if specifications are available and verify it is within service limits.
   ℹ️This is the opportune time to service parking brake shoes if needed, though this procedure focuses on drum replacement only.
6. 6

   Clean hub and drum mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the wheel hub face, removing all rust, debris, and corrosion. Clean the parking brake shoe contact area inside the hub. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. The mating surfaces must be completely clean to prevent brake pulsation and ensure proper rotor seating.
7. 7

   Prepare new brake drum/rotor assembly
   Remove any protective coating from the new brake drum/rotor assembly using brake cleaner. Clean both the friction surface and the inner drum surface thoroughly. Inspect the new drum inner surface for any defects or damage. Verify the drum portion matches the original specification.
8. 8

   Install new brake drum/rotor assembly
   Slide the new rotor/drum assembly onto the wheel hub, ensuring it seats completely flat against the hub face. If equipped with rotor retaining screws, install them finger-tight (these are temporary fasteners - the wheel holds the rotor). Verify the rotor rotates freely and does not drag on the parking brake shoes. Minor adjustment of parking brake shoes may be necessary.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the new rotor and align with the mounting holes on the hub assembly. Install the two bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Ensure the bracket is seated properly and there is no debris under the mounting surface.
   ⚠️Bracket bolts are critical safety fasteners. Use a calibrated torque wrench and verify proper torque. Under-torqued bolts can loosen and cause complete brake failure.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its suspended position. Clean the caliper slide pins and inspect the slide pin boots for damage. Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Position the caliper over the rotor and bracket, compress the piston if necessary to clear the new rotor. Install the caliper slide pin bolts with silicone brake grease applied to threads and torque to specification.
    ⚠Ensure the brake pads are properly positioned in the caliper bracket and the caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
11. 11

    Verify parking brake adjustment
    Spin the rotor by hand to verify it rotates freely without excessive drag from the parking brake shoes. If the drum drags excessively, adjustment of the parking brake shoes is required through the adjustment access hole or mechanism per manufacturer specifications. The drum should have minimal drag when the parking brake is released.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-11 on the opposite rear wheel to replace the second brake drum. Always replace brake drums in axle pairs to maintain balanced braking performance.
    ⚠Never replace brake components on only one side of an axle. This creates unbalanced braking and can cause vehicle instability.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    ⚠️Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel detachment. Use a calibrated torque wrench and follow star pattern sequence.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all brake hardware is properly secured and torqued to specification
2. Verify brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid if needed
3. Do not mix different types or brands of brake fluid
4. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels

Verification

• Before starting engine, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal pressure is achieved - pedal should not sink to floor
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is not illuminated
• Perform parking brake function test - engage parking brake and verify it holds the vehicle on a slight incline
• Test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify normal brake operation and no unusual noises
• Perform several moderate brake applications to seat the new drums with the parking brake shoes
• Verify no vibration, pulling, or abnormal noises during braking
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, bleed the brake system immediately - DO NOT DRIVE
• After 200-300 miles, verify parking brake adjustment and function again

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