Brake Proportioning Valve

Replace the brake proportioning valve on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including brake line disconnection, valve replacement, and complete system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake proportioning valve assembly × 1 — Use OEM Maserati specification
• Brake line crush washers or sealing washers × 4 — OEM brake line sealing washers
• Brake fluid DOT 4 × 1 — DOT 4 Racing specification

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 correct replacement proportioning valve for 2017 Levante 3.0L V6 RWD configuration.
3. Ensure you have minimum 1 quart of fresh, unopened DOT 4 Racing brake fluid meeting Maserati specifications.
4. Open brake fluid reservoir and use turkey baster or fluid pump to remove old fluid to minimum level. Dispose of old fluid properly.
5. Raise vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points and secure on jack stands rated for 5,000+ lbs.
6. Remove all four wheels to access brake calipers for bleeding procedure.
7. Locate proportioning valve - typically mounted on chassis rail near master cylinder or on ABS unit bracket. Consult service manual for exact location on your specific build date.
8. Clean area around proportioning valve and brake line connections with brake cleaner spray to prevent contamination.
9. Prepare brake line plugs or caps to immediately seal open lines and prevent fluid loss and air ingress.
10. Place large fluid catch pan under work area to capture brake fluid spillage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Document brake line routing and connections
   Before disconnecting anything, photograph or diagram all brake line connections to the proportioning valve from multiple angles. Note the position of each line (front left, front right, rear circuit, master cylinder feed). Label lines with tape if helpful. The Levante proportioning valve typically has 4 connections: inlet from master cylinder and three outlets for brake circuits.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake lines from proportioning valve
   Using the appropriate size flare nut wrench (typically 10mm or 12mm), carefully loosen each brake line fitting at the proportioning valve. Turn counterclockwise slowly. Hold the valve body steady with a backup wrench if needed to prevent twisting the valve or bracket. Once loose, unscrew fittings by hand. Immediately plug or cap each open line and valve port to prevent fluid loss and air entry. Allow fluid to drain into catch pan.
   ⚠Brake lines are under residual pressure. Loosen fittings slowly and expect fluid to drip. Keep face and eyes clear of fittings.
   ⚠If fittings are severely corroded or rounded, do not force them. Apply penetrating oil and wait, or replace the entire brake line to avoid damage.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove proportioning valve mounting hardware
   Locate the valve mounting bolts securing the proportioning valve to its bracket or chassis mount. Using appropriate socket or wrench, remove the mounting bolts. The valve may be secured with 1-3 bolts depending on configuration. Support the valve while removing final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Proportioning Valve Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old proportioning valve
   Carefully remove the proportioning valve assembly from its mounting location. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage, corrosion, or cracks. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush and brake cleaner. Verify new valve matches old valve exactly in configuration, port locations, and mounting pattern before proceeding.
5. 5

   Install new proportioning valve
   Position new proportioning valve in mounting bracket, aligning all mounting holes. Ensure valve orientation matches original installation - port positions must match brake line routing documented in Step 1. Install mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Verify valve sits flush against mounting surface before tightening.
   ⚠Incorrect valve orientation will make brake line reconnection impossible or create dangerous line stress. Verify port alignment before torquing bolts.
   Torque spec

   Proportioning Valve Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Reconnect brake lines to proportioning valve
   Remove plugs/caps from brake lines and valve ports. Install new crush washers or sealing washers on each brake line fitting where applicable (check if your lines use washers or flare seats). Thread each brake line fitting into correct port by hand, referring to documentation from Step 1. Cross-threading will ruin the valve - ensure fittings thread smoothly. Once all fittings are hand-tight, use flare nut wrench to torque each fitting to specification in the sequence recommended by service manual (typically master cylinder inlet first, then outlets).
   ⚠️Cross-threaded or improperly torqued brake line fittings will leak under pressure, causing brake failure. If fitting does not thread smoothly by hand, stop and investigate.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Refill brake fluid reservoir
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing brake fluid from an unopened container. Never reuse old brake fluid or use fluid from a previously opened container more than 1 year old. Keep reservoir topped off throughout bleeding process - never let it fall below MIN line or air will enter system.
   ⚠️Allowing reservoir to run dry during bleeding introduces air into master cylinder and ABS unit, requiring professional service to fully purge.
8. 8

   Bleed brake system - initial purge
   Bleed brakes in proper sequence for Maserati Levante: Right Rear, Left Rear, Right Front, Left Front (or consult service manual for specific sequence for ABS-equipped models). At each wheel: Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw and place other end in clean container with small amount of fresh brake fluid. Have assistant pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold firm pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/2 turn - fluid and air will flow out. Close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Check and refill reservoir frequently. Torque bleeder screws when complete at each wheel.
   ⚠️Never let brake pedal go to floor with bleeder open - this can damage master cylinder seals. Close bleeder before pedal bottoms out.
   ⚠On ABS-equipped vehicles, full bleeding may require scan tool activation of ABS pump to purge modulator. Air trapped in ABS unit causes spongy pedal.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify brake system integrity
   With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times until firm. Pedal should become hard and maintain pressure without slowly sinking. Hold firm pedal pressure for 30 seconds - pedal should not move. Start engine (power brakes will make pedal sink slightly - this is normal). Verify firm pedal feel. Check all brake line connections at proportioning valve for any signs of leakage or seeping fluid. Inspect floor under valve for drips.
   ⚠️Soft, spongy, or sinking brake pedal indicates air in system or leaking component. DO NOT DRIVE until issue is resolved. Repeat bleeding or seek professional service.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall all four wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Using torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to specification in star/cross pattern to ensure even seating. Lower vehicle from jack stands. With vehicle on ground, re-torque lug nuts in star pattern. Press brake pedal firmly multiple times and verify firm, consistent pedal feel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all brake line fittings at proportioning valve are torqued to specification with proper flare nut wrench.
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing fluid.
3. Ensure all bleeder screws at all four wheels are closed and torqued properly.
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or under vehicle.
5. Check that parking brake is released before test drive.

Verification

• With engine running, press brake pedal firmly - it should feel hard and high, not soft or spongy. Pedal should not sink slowly under steady pressure.
• Perform stationary brake test: With engine running and transmission in Drive (foot firmly on brake), apply strong brake pressure. Vehicle should not creep forward.
• Inspect all connections at proportioning valve for any fluid seepage or wetness. Even small leaks will worsen rapidly.
• Test drive in safe, empty area at low speed (under 15 mph). Test gentle and firm brake application. Brakes should engage smoothly without pulling to one side.
• After test drive, re-inspect all brake line connections and check fluid level. Top off if needed.
• Perform several moderate-speed stops (25-35 mph) to verify proper brake balance and proportioning valve function. Vehicle should stop straight without rear wheel lockup.
• CRITICAL: If you experience ANY of the following, DO NOT DRIVE and seek professional service immediately: soft/spongy pedal, pedal sinking under pressure, brake warning light illuminated, pulling to one side, unusual noises, or fluid leaks.
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 50-100 miles to re-check all connections and fluid level.
• Consider having brake system professionally inspected with pressure testing equipment to verify complete system integrity before returning to normal driving.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle