drivetrain

CV Axle - Front

for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Remove and replace the front CV axle assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante RWD, including disconnection from the differential and wheel hub.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠The axle nut must be loosened while the vehicle is on the ground with brakes applied to prevent hub rotation.

⚠New axle nuts are one-time use and must be replaced. The nut collar must be properly staked after installation.

ℹ️This procedure is for RWD Levante models. AWD models have different front axle configurations.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-300 Nm range)Essential

32mm axle nut socketEssential

Breaker barEssential

Ball joint separator toolEssential

Pry bar

3/8" drive socket set (metric)Essential

Plastic mallet

Wire brush

Punch and hammer for stakingEssential

Drain pan (if differential work required)

RTV sealant applicator

Parts

CV Axle Assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle hub nut × 1 — Use OEM - one-time use
Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — High-temp RTV silicone

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
With vehicle on ground and brake applied, use breaker bar to crack loose the 32mm axle nut (do not remove completely)
Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
Remove front wheel on side being serviced
Clean CV joint and hub area with wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion

Procedure

1
Remove axle hub nut
With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, fully remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. The nut will have a staked collar that may need to be straightened with a punch before removal. Discard this nut as it is one-time use only.
2
Disconnect lower ball joint
Remove the castle nut securing the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to disconnect the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not use excessive force that could damage the ball joint boot or control arm.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
3
Support suspension and hub assembly
Position a jack or support under the lower control arm to prevent the suspension from dropping excessively once the axle is disconnected. This prevents strain on brake lines and ABS sensors.
4
Disconnect CV joint from differential
Locate the inner CV joint where it connects to the differential output flange. Remove the bolts securing the CV joint to the differential flange. There are typically 6 bolts in a circular pattern. Support the axle to prevent it from hanging by the outer joint.
⚠Some differential fluid may leak when the CV joint is disconnected. Have a drain pan ready.
Torque spec
CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5
Remove axle from hub
Pull the steering knuckle outward while pushing the axle shaft through the hub bore. If the axle is stuck in the hub, use a plastic mallet to tap the end of the axle shaft while pulling the hub assembly away. Do not use excessive force that could damage the wheel bearings.
6
Extract CV axle assembly
Carefully maneuver the entire CV axle assembly out from under the vehicle. The inner joint must clear the differential housing and the outer joint must clear the suspension components. Inspect the removed axle for damage, torn boots, or excessive play.
7
Inspect differential output and hub splines
Inspect the differential output flange for damage, wear, or debris. Clean the mating surface with a wire brush. Inspect the hub splines for damage or corrosion. Clean hub bore if necessary. Check differential fluid level and top off if needed.
8
Install new CV axle into hub
Insert the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub bore. Ensure the splines engage properly and the axle seats fully into the hub. The shaft should slide in smoothly without binding. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the splines if specified by axle manufacturer.
9
Connect CV joint to differential
Align the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange. Install the CV joint bolts and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque bolts to specification in two stages: first to 50% torque, then to final torque in star pattern.
Torque spec
CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
10
Reconnect lower ball joint
Raise the lower control arm to align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud and install the castle nut. Torque the nut to specification. Ensure the nut is properly seated and the ball joint boot is not torn or twisted.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
11
Install and torque axle nut
Install the NEW 32mm axle nut onto the axle shaft. Do not reuse the old nut. With the vehicle still raised and axle unable to rotate, torque the nut to specification. Use a breaker bar through the wheel opening or have an assistant apply the brake if the hub rotates.
⚠The axle nut must be torqued to the exact specification. Under-torquing can cause wheel bearing failure and axle separation.
Torque spec
Axle Nut256 Nm (189 lb-ft)
12
Stake axle nut
After torquing the axle nut, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. This prevents the nut from loosening. Strike the collar at 2-3 points around the circumference to deform it into the shaft groove.
13
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
Check differential fluid level and top off if necessary with 75W-140 synthetic gear oil
Ensure no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well or under the vehicle
Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clicking, grinding, or vibration from the CV axle area

Verification

Rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or clicking from CV joints
Drive the vehicle in a figure-8 pattern at low speed and listen for CV joint clicking or popping noises
Verify no vibration at highway speeds that would indicate improper axle installation or imbalance
Inspect the area around the differential and CV joint for any fluid leaks after the first drive
Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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