Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compressor use.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spring pad/isolator (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
2. Apply penetrating oil to all rear suspension fasteners that will be removed and allow 15-30 minutes soak time.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points.
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
6. Visually inspect rear suspension components for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion that may complicate removal.
7. Have spring compressor tools ready and verify they are appropriate for coil spring diameter and length.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect rear sway bar links
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Using an Allen key to hold the shaft stationary, remove the sway bar link nut. This provides clearance for suspension travel during spring removal. If link is seized, replacement may be necessary.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm with floor jack
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise jack just enough to contact and support the arm but not lift the vehicle. This controls suspension movement during disassembly and prevents sudden dropping when components are disconnected.
   ⚠️The floor jack MUST remain in position supporting the lower control arm throughout spring removal. Failure to support the arm can cause sudden suspension collapse and spring ejection.
3. 3

   Remove lower shock/strut mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the strut to the lower control arm or knuckle. Remove this bolt completely. The floor jack supporting the control arm will prevent the suspension from dropping. Note bolt orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower control arm to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. This extends the suspension and creates space between the spring seats. Lower only enough to access the coil spring (typically 4-6 inches of travel). Monitor all suspension components during lowering to ensure nothing binds or catches.
   ⚠Lower the jack slowly and observe for brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components that may become stretched or damaged. Stop immediately if any component shows tension.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor tools
   Install coil spring compressor clamps on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), positioned away from the ends of the spring. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in the coil gaps and properly engaged. Alternate tightening each compressor evenly to compress the spring uniformly. Continue until spring is fully compressed and loose between the upper and lower spring seats.
   ⚠️Spring compressors MUST be installed correctly with hooks fully engaged. Compressors can slip during compression causing violent spring release. Tighten compressors alternately and evenly. Never stand directly in line with compressed spring ends.
6. 6

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring fully compressed and loose in its mounts, carefully remove the spring with compressors still attached. Note the orientation of any spring isolators or pads at the top and bottom of the spring. Inspect rubber isolators for cracking or deterioration and replace if necessary. Keep spring compressors installed until new spring is ready for installation.
   ⚠️Never remove spring compressors while spring is compressed. Spring must remain compressed until installed in new position or safely decompressed in a controlled manner away from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Prepare and compress new spring
   Install upper and lower spring isolators/pads on the new coil spring in the same orientation as the original. Install spring compressors on the new spring in the same positions as used on the old spring. Compress the new spring to the same compressed length as the removed spring, ensuring it will fit between the spring seats. Verify compressor hooks are fully engaged.
   ⚠️New springs may have different tension than old springs. Compress carefully and ensure compressors are securely engaged throughout the compression process.
8. 8

   Install new spring into suspension
   Carefully position the compressed new spring between the upper and lower spring seats, ensuring proper orientation. The spring end tags or shape must match the seat pockets. Verify isolators are correctly positioned in the upper and lower spring seats before proceeding.
9. 9

   Raise control arm to load spring
   Using the floor jack under the lower control arm, slowly raise the arm to compress the new spring into its normal operating position. Align the lower shock/strut mounting holes as you raise the suspension. Continue raising until the shock bolt can be inserted through the mounting holes.
10. 10

    Install lower shock mounting bolt
    Insert the lower shock absorber mounting bolt through the aligned holes and install the nut. Torque to specification. Ensure bolt is fully seated and threads are not cross-threaded before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove spring compressors
    With the suspension reassembled and shock bolt torqued, the spring is now held in place by the suspension geometry. Carefully loosen and remove the spring compressor tools alternately and evenly. Verify the spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats as compressors are removed. Check that isolators have not shifted out of position.
    ⚠Remove compressors slowly and evenly. If spring or isolators shift position during removal, reinstall compressors and reposition components before continuing.
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the suspension. Install the mounting nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Verify link ball joint boot is not torn or damaged.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 on the opposite rear spring to complete the pair replacement. Springs must be replaced as a matched pair to maintain proper vehicle ride height and handling balance.
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is not fully transferred. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground) where indicated.
2. Verify all suspension components are properly seated and no fasteners were missed during reassembly.
3. Double-check that spring compressor tools have been completely removed from both sides.
4. Inspect work area for any tools or parts left under vehicle before test drive.

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle and verify springs return suspension to normal height without unusual noises or binding.
• Perform a careful test drive at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling abnormalities.
• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side with equal ride height at both rear corners.
• Re-check all fastener torque specifications after test drive, especially wheel lug nuts.
• Have vehicle alignment checked by a qualified facility within 100 miles. Spring replacement affects suspension geometry and alignment should be verified.

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