Center Link/Drag Link

Remove and replace the center link (drag link) connecting the steering rack to the steering knuckle on the 2017 Maserati Levante, restoring proper steering linkage integrity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center link assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (3mm x 40mm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locking compound × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray all tie rod end tapers and castle nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
7. Turn steering wheel to center position and note alignment marks on tie rods for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the center link assembly
   Inspect the underside of the vehicle to locate the center link (drag link) that runs from the steering rack to the pitman arm or knuckle connection. The center link on the Levante connects the steering rack output to the steering knuckle assembly. Clean the area around all connection points with a wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion.
2. 2

   Remove driver side tie rod end cotter pin
   Locate the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle on the driver side. Straighten the cotter pin legs using a punch and drift, then pull the cotter pin completely out. Discard the old cotter pin. If the cotter pin is corroded and breaks, use a small drill bit to remove remaining pieces.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side tie rod end
   Using a 24mm socket, loosen and remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Leave the nut threaded on a few turns to protect the stud threads. Position the ball joint separator between the tie rod end and knuckle, ensuring proper tool engagement. Apply steady pressure to separate the taper. Once the taper releases, remove the nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side tie rod end cotter pin
   Move to the passenger side and repeat the cotter pin removal process. Straighten the legs of the cotter pin, then extract it completely using a punch. Discard the old cotter pin.
5. 5

   Disconnect passenger side tie rod end
   Remove the castle nut from the passenger side tie rod end using a 24mm socket. Thread the nut back on loosely to protect the stud. Use the ball joint separator to break the taper connection between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Remove the nut and separate the tie rod end completely from the knuckle.
6. 6

   Remove center link coupling bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt that secures the center link to the steering rack output shaft or intermediate connection point. This is typically located near the firewall area. Using a 19mm socket, remove the coupling bolt completely. Support the center link assembly to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The center link may be under slight tension from the steering geometry. Control the component as the coupling bolt is removed.
7. 7

   Remove center link assembly
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully maneuver the center link assembly out from underneath the vehicle. The assembly may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, subframe members, and brake lines. Inspect the removed center link for wear, damage, or the reason for replacement.
8. 8

   Prepare new center link
   Unpack the new center link assembly and verify it matches the removed part exactly. Check that all ball joint boots are intact and properly seated. Clean the tapered stud surfaces with a clean rag. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the coupling bolt threads and the tie rod end tapers (not the sealing surfaces).
9. 9

   Install new center link assembly
   Maneuver the new center link into position, routing it through the same path as the original. Align the coupling end with the steering rack output shaft or intermediate connection point. Thread the coupling bolt in by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque coupling bolt
    Apply medium-strength thread locking compound to the coupling bolt threads if not pre-applied. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, tighten the coupling bolt to the specified torque value. Ensure the coupling is properly seated and aligned before final torquing.
11. 11

    Connect driver side tie rod end
    Insert the driver side tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten by hand until snug. Using a torque wrench and 24mm socket, torque the castle nut to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the stud hole by tightening only (never loosen to align). Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud, then bend the legs to secure.
12. 12

    Connect passenger side tie rod end
    Insert the passenger side tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and hand-tighten until snug. Torque the castle nut to specification using a torque wrench and 24mm socket. If necessary, tighten further to align castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the legs securely to lock the nut in place.
13. 13

    Verify installation and check steering operation
    Inspect all connection points to ensure proper seating and torque. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to check for binding, interference, or unusual resistance. All movement should be smooth without catching or unusual noise.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Lower the vehicle from jack stands carefully. With the vehicle on the ground, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in the proper sequence.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all cotter pins are new, properly installed, and legs are bent to prevent loosening
2. Verify the coupling bolt has thread locking compound applied and is torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle
4. Clean any spilled fluids or penetrating oil from suspension components

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, checking for proper steering response and centered steering wheel position
• Check for any looseness in the steering system by having an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly while you observe the center link connections for play
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible, as toe settings will likely be affected by the center link replacement
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all connection points and verify torque on castle nuts and coupling bolt
• Monitor for any steering pull, vibration, or unusual tire wear that would indicate alignment issues or improper installation

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