Brake Rotor - Rear Single

Replace a single rear brake rotor on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including caliper removal, rotor replacement, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance rotor
• Rotor set screw (if corroded) × 1 — M6 x 1.0 x 10mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
3. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point and secure with jack stands under manufacturer-specified support points.
4. Remove rear wheel completely.
5. Inspect brake system for any signs of damage, excessive wear, or fluid leaks before proceeding.
6. Clean the brake rotor and caliper area with brake cleaner to remove dust and debris.

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, carefully compress the brake caliper piston(s) back into the caliper bore using a C-clamp or brake piston tool. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper housing and the outboard brake pad. Compress slowly and evenly. This creates clearance for caliper removal and prevents brake fluid overflow at the master cylinder reservoir.
   ⚠Monitor brake fluid reservoir level during piston compression. If fluid is at MAX line, remove some fluid first to prevent overflow.
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts (also called slide pin bolts) on the rear side of the caliper assembly. Using the appropriate Allen key or hex bit, remove both caliper slide pin bolts. These bolts allow the caliper to slide on the bracket.
   ℹ️Note the condition of the slide pin boots. Replace if torn or damaged.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove and support brake caliper
   Carefully lift the brake caliper straight up and off the rotor and bracket assembly. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Immediately support the caliper using a caliper hanger hooked to the suspension or secure it with wire to the coil spring or chassis. Ensure there is no tension on the brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Locate the two large caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the hub assembly. These are typically larger than the slide pin bolts and are located behind where the caliper was mounted. Use the appropriate socket to remove both caliper bracket bolts completely. Remove the bracket assembly and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screw
   If present, locate the Phillips head set screw on the face of the brake rotor (typically near one of the wheel studs). Use a Phillips screwdriver or impact driver to remove this screw. If corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak, or carefully drill out if necessary. This screw is for assembly purposes only and may be discarded.
   ℹ️Set screw is often corroded. Be prepared to use an impact driver or extract a broken screw.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge and inner hat section of the rotor to break it free. Do NOT strike the rotor friction surface. If severely seized, spray penetrating oil around the hub/rotor interface and allow to soak before attempting removal again.
7. 7

   Clean hub mounting surface
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface where the rotor seats, removing all rust, corrosion, and debris. Clean the wheel studs and surrounding area. Apply brake cleaner and wipe clean. The mounting surface must be completely smooth and flat to prevent rotor runout and vibration issues.
   ⚠Any debris or rust on the hub surface will cause rotor runout and brake pulsation. Ensure surface is perfectly clean.
8. 8

   Install new brake rotor
   Remove any protective coating from the new rotor using brake cleaner (both sides of friction surface). Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the hub mounting surface (NOT on the rotor friction surfaces). Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats completely flat against the hub face. Rotate the rotor to align a set screw hole with a wheel stud for access.
   ⚠New rotors have a protective oil coating. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner before installation or braking performance will be severely degraded.
9. 9

   Install rotor set screw
   Install the rotor set screw (new or reused if in good condition) and tighten to specification. This screw prevents the rotor from falling off during service but does not provide clamping force during operation.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket back onto the hub assembly, aligning the bolt holes. Install both caliper bracket bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper threading. Apply thread locker to the threads as specified. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern.
    ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts are critical fasteners. Ensure proper torque is achieved and thread locker is applied.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Prepare and install brake caliper
    If removed for inspection, clean the caliper slide pins with brake cleaner and inspect the slide pin boots for damage. Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pins per specification. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and bracket, ensuring brake pads are properly positioned on either side of the rotor. Align the slide pin holes.
12. 12

    Install caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolts as specified. Install both slide pin bolts hand-tight first. Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to specification.
    ⚠Slide pin bolts must move freely for proper caliper operation. Do not over-tighten or cross-thread.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub and rotor hat. Position the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts hand-tight in a star pattern. Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern in multiple stages (50%, 75%, then 100% torque).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque check
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from the work area and from under the vehicle.
2. Do not drive the vehicle until brake pedal feel is verified (see verification steps).
3. If both rear rotors were replaced, ensure both sides are completed before testing.

Verification

• Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until firm pedal pressure is restored. The first few pedal strokes will feel soft as the caliper pistons reposition against the new rotor.
• Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid if necessary. Do not overfill.
• Start the engine and verify brake warning lights are off.
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, testing brake response at 5-10 mph before proceeding to normal operation.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, rubbing) that would indicate improper installation.
• Verify no brake fluid leaks are present around caliper, hoses, or fittings.
• After the first 50 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification.
• New rotors require a proper bedding-in procedure: perform 6-10 moderate stops from 40-45 mph down to 15-20 mph with 30-second cool-down periods between stops. Avoid hard braking for the first 200-300 miles.
• If any pulsation, vibration, pulling, or unusual brake behavior occurs, stop driving immediately and inspect the installation.

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