Clutch Slave Cylinder

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the clutch slave cylinder on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including transmission access and hydraulic system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clutch slave cylinder (hydraulic release bearing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission mounting bolts (if required) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
3. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove engine undertray and transmission splash shields
5. Place drain pan under clutch hydraulic line routing area
6. Mark driveshaft alignment to differential flange for proper reinstallation
7. Photograph or document electrical connector locations and routing

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driveshaft
   Remove the rear driveshaft mounting bolts at the differential flange. Support driveshaft and remove center bearing support bolts. Slide driveshaft rearward to disconnect from transmission output shaft. Cap transmission output to prevent fluid loss.
2. 2

   Disconnect exhaust system
   Disconnect exhaust system at the front catalytic converter flanges to provide clearance for transmission removal. Support exhaust with wire or strap to prevent damage to oxygen sensors and hangers.
3. 3

   Disconnect shift linkage and electrical connections
   Disconnect shift cable or linkage from transmission selector lever. Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including vehicle speed sensor, reverse light switch, and any temperature sensors. Label connections for reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect clutch hydraulic line
   Locate the clutch hydraulic line connection at the transmission bell housing. Clean area around connection thoroughly. Disconnect hydraulic line from slave cylinder using appropriate wrench. Be prepared for fluid spillage. Cap or plug line immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from line. Have catch container ready and avoid contact with skin and painted surfaces.
5. 5

   Support engine and transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission with appropriate adapter to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to support transmission weight. Position floor jack under engine oil pan with wooden block to protect pan. Support engine weight to prevent damage to motor mounts.
6. 6

   Remove transmission crossmember and mounts
   Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts from frame rails. Remove transmission mount bolts connecting transmission to crossmember. Carefully lower and remove crossmember. Remove any remaining transmission mount brackets attached to transmission case.
7. 7

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter motor electrical connections and remove protective covers. Remove starter mounting bolts and carefully extract starter motor from bell housing. This provides access to additional bell housing bolts and reduces weight for transmission removal.
8. 8

   Remove bell housing to engine bolts
   Locate and remove all bell housing to engine block mounting bolts. There are typically 6-8 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for proper reinstallation. Ensure all bolts are removed before attempting to separate transmission.
9. 9

   Separate transmission from engine
   Verify all connections are disconnected and all mounting bolts removed. Carefully slide transmission rearward using transmission jack, ensuring input shaft clears clutch assembly. Keep transmission level and aligned with engine to prevent damage to clutch disc or input shaft. Move transmission back approximately 6-8 inches to access slave cylinder, or remove completely if more clearance is needed.
   ⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 170 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is secure and have assistant help guide transmission. Do not allow transmission to hang on input shaft.
10. 10

    Remove failed slave cylinder
    With transmission separated, the concentric slave cylinder (hydraulic release bearing) is now visible on the transmission input shaft. Remove the retaining clips or snap ring securing the slave cylinder to the transmission input shaft bearing retainer. Carefully slide the slave cylinder assembly off the input shaft. Inspect clutch release fork, pivot point, and input shaft bearing for wear or damage.
11. 11

    Install new slave cylinder
    Clean the input shaft and bearing retainer area thoroughly. Inspect input shaft for burrs or damage that could damage new slave cylinder seals. Apply light coating of clutch grease to input shaft bearing contact area. Slide new concentric slave cylinder onto input shaft, ensuring it seats properly against bearing retainer. Install retaining clips or snap ring to secure cylinder in position. Verify cylinder moves freely and is properly aligned.
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to input shaft splines. Ensure clutch disc is properly centered (use alignment tool if available). Carefully guide transmission forward, aligning input shaft with clutch disc and pilot bearing. Keep transmission level and aligned. Once input shaft engages clutch splines, continue sliding transmission forward until bell housing contacts engine block evenly.
13. 13

    Install bell housing bolts and remaining components
    Install all bell housing to engine mounting bolts, ensuring correct bolt lengths in correct locations. Tighten bolts in cross pattern to draw bell housing evenly to engine. Reinstall starter motor and connect electrical connections. Reinstall transmission mounts, crossmember, and tighten all fasteners.
14. 14

    Reconnect all components
    Reconnect shift linkage and adjust as necessary. Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission. Reinstall driveshaft, aligning marks made during disassembly. Reconnect exhaust system at catalytic converter flanges. Reinstall transmission splash shields and engine undertray.
15. 15

    Connect and bleed clutch hydraulic system
    Reconnect clutch hydraulic line to slave cylinder and tighten connection. Fill clutch master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4 racing brake fluid to MAX line. Using clutch bleeding tool or pressure bleeder, bleed air from hydraulic system. Pump clutch pedal slowly and hold, then open bleeder valve at slave cylinder to release air and fluid. Repeat until fluid flows clear without bubbles. Keep master cylinder reservoir full during bleeding process. Tighten bleeder valve and verify firm clutch pedal feel.
    ⚠Use only fresh DOT 4 racing brake fluid from sealed container. Contaminated or incorrect fluid will damage hydraulic seals.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall components in reverse order of removal
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
3. Verify driveshaft alignment marks are properly matched
4. Double-check all fasteners are tightened (torque specifications not provided in database)
5. Refill master cylinder reservoir to proper level with DOT 4 racing brake fluid
6. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from transmission or clutch area
• Check for hydraulic fluid leaks at slave cylinder connection and throughout system
• Press clutch pedal multiple times and verify consistent, firm pedal feel with no sponginess
• With engine running, verify clutch engages and disengages smoothly without grinding or difficulty shifting
• Test drive vehicle through all gears to confirm proper clutch operation and smooth engagement
• Verify no clutch slippage under acceleration
• Recheck master cylinder fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect undercarriage for any fluid leaks or loose components

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