drivetrain
CV Axle - Rear
for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.5 h
Tools
13
Steps
14
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear CV axle assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including proper torque specifications and axle nut staking.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠The axle nut is under significant preload and requires a breaker bar to loosen. Ensure the vehicle is stable before applying force.
⚠Do not reuse the axle nut. A new nut must be installed and properly staked to prevent loosening.
ℹ️Mark the orientation of the CV joint flanges before disassembly to maintain proper phasing during reassembly.
Tools required
Torque wrench (50-300 Nm range)Essential
21mm socket for wheel lug nutsEssential
36mm or 1-7/16 inch axle nut socketEssential
Breaker barEssential
Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential
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Parts
- Rear CV axle assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- New axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - must be replaced
- Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
- Loosen the axle nut while vehicle is on the ground with brakes applied (requires significant force)
- Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
- Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
- Clean CV joint bolts and surrounding areas with wire brush to prevent fastener damage
Procedure
- 1Remove axle nutWith the vehicle raised and wheel removed, fully remove the previously loosened 36mm axle nut from the hub. If not already loosened, have an assistant apply the brakes while you break the nut loose. Discard the old nut as it must be replaced with a new one.Torque specAxle Nut256 Nm (189 lb-ft)
- 2Mark CV joint orientationUsing a paint marker or scribe, mark the orientation of the inner CV joint flange relative to the differential output flange. This ensures proper phasing during reassembly and prevents driveline vibration. Mark at least two points for reference.
- 3Remove inner CV joint boltsLocate the bolts securing the inner CV joint to the differential output flange. There are typically 6 bolts. Use an 18mm socket to remove all inner CV joint bolts. Support the axle with one hand while removing the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.Torque specCV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect lower ball jointLocate the lower ball joint connecting the rear control arm to the knuckle. Remove the castle nut using appropriate socket. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Apply steady pressure to avoid damage to the ball joint boot. If replacing, discard the old nut.⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if the joint is being reused.Torque specBall Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
- 5Pull axle from hubWith the lower ball joint disconnected, pull the knuckle assembly outward to create clearance. Use a plastic mallet to tap on the end of the axle stub if needed to break it free from the hub splines. The axle should slide out of the hub bearing. Be prepared to support the weight of the axle.
- 6Remove CV axle assemblyWith the outer end free from the hub, carefully maneuver the entire CV axle assembly away from the differential. The inner CV joint should separate from the differential output flange. Remove the axle from under the vehicle. Inspect the hub splines and differential output flange for damage or excessive wear.
- 7Prepare new CV axleUnpack the new CV axle assembly and verify it matches the old unit in length and configuration. Clean the hub splines with a wire brush and apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to the splines (not to the hub bore). Ensure the CV joint boots are in good condition and properly seated with clamps.
- 8Install axle into hubPull the knuckle outward and align the new axle splines with the hub bore. Push the axle firmly into the hub until the splines are fully engaged. You may need to rotate the axle slightly to align splines. The axle should seat flush against the hub bearing.
- 9Connect inner CV joint to differentialAlign the inner CV joint flange with the differential output flange using the orientation marks made during disassembly. Install all CV joint bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Apply thread locker to bolt threads if specified by manufacturer.
- 10Torque inner CV joint boltsUsing a torque wrench, tighten the inner CV joint bolts in a star pattern to the specified torque. This ensures even loading of the joint and prevents distortion. Verify all bolts are properly seated before final torquing.Torque specCV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect lower ball jointPosition the lower ball joint stud into the knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The nut should align with the cotter pin hole. If using a new castle nut, ensure it is the correct specification.Torque specBall Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
- 12Install and torque new axle nutInstall the NEW axle nut onto the axle stub. Have an assistant apply the brakes or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation. Torque the axle nut to the specified value. This is a critical fastener that must be properly torqued.⚠The axle nut must be NEW and not reused. Reusing the old nut can result in axle loosening and catastrophic failure.Torque specAxle Nut256 Nm (189 lb-ft)
- 13Stake axle nutAfter torquing the axle nut, use a hammer and punch to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove. Create at least two stake points 180 degrees apart. The staking deforms the nut collar into the shaft groove to prevent loosening. Verify the stakes are properly formed and prevent nut rotation.⚠Proper staking is critical to prevent axle nut loosening. Ensure the stake points are deep enough to lock the nut but do not damage the axle threads.
- 14Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleInstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and properly staked where required
- Verify CV joint boots are properly seated and clamps are secure
- Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area
- Do not reuse the old axle nut under any circumstances
Verification
- Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the rear axle during acceleration and turning
- Verify no vibration is present at highway speeds, which could indicate improper CV joint phasing
- Inspect the axle nut staking to ensure it is properly formed and the nut cannot rotate
- Check for any fluid leaks around the differential output flange area
- Verify the wheel lug nuts remain tight after 50-100 miles of driving