Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Service or replace brake caliper slide pins and hardware to restore proper caliper movement and prevent uneven brake pad wear on the 2017 Maserati Levante.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper slide pin kit (includes pins, boots, and hardware) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• High-temperature silicone brake grease × 1 — Use synthetic silicone brake caliper grease rated to 500°F

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (DO NOT work under vehicle supported only by jack)
5. Remove wheels completely and set aside
6. Inspect brake system for fluid leaks, damaged hoses, or excessive pad wear before proceeding
7. If brake fluid reservoir is near MAX line, remove small amount to prevent overflow when compressing pistons

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the brake caliper (visible from behind the wheel mounting surface). These are typically 13mm hex head bolts. Using a 13mm hex bit or socket, remove both slide pin bolts. Note which bolt came from which position as they may be different lengths. Retain the bolts for inspection.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove and support brake caliper
   Carefully lift the brake caliper off the caliper bracket and rotor. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use a wire hanger, bungee cord, or secure it to the suspension component to support the weight. Inspect the brake pads for uneven wear (which indicates slide pin problems) but do not remove pads unless replacement is needed.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from caliper bracket
   The slide pins are installed in the caliper bracket (the part still bolted to the knuckle). Remove the rubber dust boots from each slide pin opening using a pick tool or small screwdriver. Pull the slide pins straight out of the bracket bores. If pins are seized, carefully tap them out with a plastic mallet or use penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes before attempting removal again.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean caliper bracket bores
   Inspect the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket for corrosion, pitting, or damage. Use a brass or stainless wire brush to clean the bores thoroughly. Spray with brake parts cleaner and dry completely with compressed air or lint-free cloth. The bores must be smooth and clean for proper slide pin movement. If bores are severely corroded or damaged, the caliper bracket must be replaced.
5. 5

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Examine the old slide pins for corrosion, wear grooves, or damage. Check that pins slide smoothly and are not bent. Inspect rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Even if pins appear serviceable, replace them if boots are damaged or if pins show any corrosion or binding. Using new pins from the slide pin kit is recommended for optimal performance.
6. 6

   Apply brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each new or cleaned slide pin. Use only silicone-based brake grease (NOT general-purpose grease or anti-seize). Avoid over-greasing as excess can attract dirt. The grease must be rated for brake system temperatures (500°F minimum).
7. 7

   Install slide pins and boots
   Insert each greased slide pin into its corresponding bore in the caliper bracket. Push pins in fully until they seat completely. Install new rubber dust boots over each pin, ensuring they are properly seated in both the bracket groove and the pin groove. Boots must seal completely to prevent contamination and moisture entry.
8. 8

   Compress caliper piston if needed
   If brake pads were not removed and caliper piston needs to be compressed for reassembly clearance, use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to slowly compress the piston into its bore. Place the tool against the back of the piston (not the dust boot). Compress slowly and evenly. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake caliper
   Remove the caliper from its support wire. Carefully position the caliper over the brake pads and rotor, aligning the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the freshly serviced slide pins in the bracket. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned in the caliper bracket before seating the caliper fully.
10. 10

    Install and torque slide pin bolts
    Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the threads and contact surfaces of the caliper slide pin bolts. Insert both bolts and thread them by hand to ensure proper engagement. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten each slide pin bolt to exactly 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Do not exceed this torque specification as it can damage the pins or threads.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify caliper movement
    With slide pin bolts fully torqued, manually test caliper movement by carefully pushing the caliper inward and outward (perpendicular to the rotor face). The caliper should slide smoothly on the pins with minimal resistance. Any binding indicates improper installation, insufficient lubrication, or damaged components. Correct any issues before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface of any corrosion or debris. Install the wheel onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and star pattern, tighten lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). This must be done in multiple passes: first to 50%, then 80%, then final torque to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    If servicing both front or both rear calipers, repeat all steps for the opposite side of the vehicle. Both sides should be serviced together to ensure balanced brake performance.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
2. With vehicle on ground, re-torque all wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern to verify proper seating
3. Before starting engine, pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal feel is achieved
4. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid if needed (do not overfill)
5. Start engine and verify brake warning light is off

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times - pedal should become firm and maintain consistent height
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure - pedal should not sink or feel spongy
• Perform low-speed brake test (under 15 mph) in safe area - brakes should engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Listen for any unusual noises during braking (grinding, squealing, clicking)
• Verify caliper slide pins were properly torqued to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) - this is critical for safe operation
• After 50-100 miles of normal driving, re-check wheel lug nut torque and verify no brake fluid leaks
• Monitor brake performance for several days - any pulling, pulsation, or unusual pedal feel requires immediate inspection

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