Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replace both rear coil springs on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, requiring suspension disassembly and proper spring compression techniques.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance spring
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance spring
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if worn or damaged
• Sway bar link nuts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at reinforced frame points
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
8. Take photos of spring orientation, isolator pad position, and assembly for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension and axle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a wood block on top under the rear lower control arm or axle housing near the side being serviced. Raise jack just enough to support the weight of the suspension but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed. Keep jack in place throughout the procedure.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or axle housing. Hold the shaft of the link with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the lower nut connecting the link to the lower control arm. If link is seized or damaged, disconnect from upper mount instead. Push link aside to provide clearance for spring removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the shock to the lower control arm or axle bracket. Remove this bolt completely and retain hardware. The shock will remain attached at the upper mount. Allow shock to hang freely or secure with wire to prevent strain on upper mount and brake lines.
   ⚠Ensure shock absorber and any attached brake lines or wiring are not under tension when hanging free.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension. The lower control arm or axle will drop, extending the suspension travel. Lower until the coil spring becomes loose and is no longer under compression load. Do not allow suspension to drop suddenly or uncontrolled. Stop when spring can move freely but is still contained between upper and lower seats.
   ⚠️Control the descent rate carefully. Suspension dropping too fast can damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components. Ensure no wiring or hoses are stretched to their limit.
5. 5

   Remove coil spring and isolators
   With spring unloaded, carefully remove the coil spring from between the upper and lower spring seats. Note the orientation of the spring ends and any markings indicating top or bottom. Remove upper and lower spring isolator pads (rubber cushions) from the spring seats. Inspect isolators for cracks, compression set, or deterioration and replace if necessary. Clean spring seats thoroughly with wire brush.
6. 6

   Inspect suspension components
   With suspension fully extended, inspect lower control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorber condition, and all mounting points for wear, damage, or leaking. Check brake lines and ABS sensor wiring for chafing or damage. Replace any worn components before proceeding. This is the ideal time to address suspension wear issues.
7. 7

   Prepare new spring and isolators
   Install new or replacement spring isolator pads onto the upper and lower spring seats if removed or replacing. Ensure isolators are seated properly in their recesses. Compare new spring to old spring to verify correct part number, length, and rating. Note the orientation marks on the new spring indicating which end is top and bottom if marked.
8. 8

   Install new coil spring
   Position the new coil spring between the upper and lower spring seats with proper orientation (top end to upper seat, bottom end to lower seat). Ensure spring ends are properly seated in the locating features of both seats. The spring will be loose at this point. Verify isolator pads remain in correct position and have not shifted during spring installation.
9. 9

   Raise suspension to compress spring
   Using the floor jack under the lower control arm or axle, slowly and carefully raise the suspension. As you raise, the spring will compress between the seats. Continue raising until the lower shock mounting bolt holes align with the shock absorber lower eye. Monitor spring position throughout to ensure it remains properly seated and does not shift out of position.
   ⚠️Ensure spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower seats during compression. A spring that shifts out of position can violently release and cause severe injury.
10. 10

    Reinstall shock absorber lower bolt
    With suspension raised and shock mounting holes aligned, install the lower shock absorber mounting bolt. Ensure bolt passes through both the shock eye and mounting bracket cleanly. Thread nut onto bolt and tighten to specified torque using torque wrench. Do not fully tighten control arm bolts yet if they were removed.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm or mounting point. Install new nut if old nut was damaged. Hold the link shaft with Allen key to prevent rotation while tightening nut to specified torque. Ensure link moves freely through its range of motion without binding.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear spring. Both springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics. Use the same care and attention to detail on the second side.
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. Once vehicle weight is fully on wheels, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification using star pattern with torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque of suspension fasteners
    If any control arm bolts were loosened or removed during the procedure, they must now be torqued to specification with vehicle weight on the suspension (wheels on ground). This ensures bushings are not pre-loaded in the wrong position. Torque all control arm bolts and any other suspension fasteners that require weight-on-wheels torquing.
    ⚠️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do this will pre-load bushings incorrectly and cause premature wear or handling issues.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under vehicle
2. Perform final visual inspection of all work areas to ensure proper assembly
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify normal suspension operation and no unusual noises

Verification

• Measure rear ride height on both sides and compare to specification - should be equal side-to-side within 10mm
• Bounce each rear corner of vehicle and verify spring rebounds normally without rattling or unusual noises
• Verify no suspension components contact body or frame during full suspension travel
• Road test vehicle and verify normal handling, no pulling to either side, and no suspension noises over bumps
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately after spring replacement - new springs will affect alignment angles

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