CV Axles - Front Pair

Complete replacement of both front CV axles on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including removal of axle nuts, disconnection from differential, and installation of new axles with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly - left × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front CV axle assembly - right × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut - left × 1 — Use new nut each time
• Axle nut - right × 1 — Use new nut each time
• Ball joint castle nut (if reuse not recommended) × 2 — Check condition during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Loosen 32mm axle nuts on both sides while vehicle is on ground with helper applying brake pedal or using brake pedal depressor tool
5. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and loosen ball joint
   With vehicle supported and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. Remove and discard the old nut as a new one must be used. Locate the lower ball joint castle nut and remove it completely. If cotter pin is present, remove it first.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, carefully separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Insert the separator between the control arm and knuckle, then apply force to pop the taper free. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if component is to be reused.
3. 3

   Support control arm and access CV joint bolts
   Use mechanics wire or support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping once the axle is disconnected. Rotate the hub/knuckle assembly outward to gain access to the inner CV joint where it connects to the differential. You may need to turn the steering wheel to improve access.
   ⚠Do not allow control arm to hang unsupported as this can damage brake lines and ABS sensors.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint bolts - first side
   Locate the bolts securing the inner CV joint to the differential stub shaft. There are typically 6 bolts. Use appropriate socket to remove all CV joint bolts. You may need to rotate the axle by hand to access all bolt positions. Keep track of bolt orientation and any washers.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove first CV axle assembly
   With all fasteners removed, pull the outer end of the axle outward from the hub splines. You may need to tap the end with a soft mallet or use a puller if stuck. Once outer end is clear, pull the inner CV joint away from the differential. Remove the complete axle assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the hub splines for damage.
6. 6

   Repeat removal process for second side
   Move to the opposite side of the vehicle and repeat steps 1-5 to remove the second CV axle assembly. Loosen and remove axle nut, separate ball joint, support control arm, remove inner CV joint bolts, and extract the axle from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect differential and hub components
   With both axles removed, inspect the differential stub shaft splines for wear or damage. Check hub bearing for excessive play or noise by moving the knuckle. Inspect ball joint boots and condition. Clean the hub splines and differential mating surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
8. 8

   Install first new CV axle - inner end
   Begin installation with either side. Insert the inner CV joint onto the differential stub shaft, aligning the bolt holes. Install all CV joint bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a star pattern to specification. Ensure the CV joint is fully seated before tightening.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install first new CV axle - outer end
   Guide the outer splined end of the axle through the hub assembly. You may need to turn the steering or manipulate the knuckle to align properly. Push the axle fully into the hub splines until it seats completely. Install the NEW 32mm axle nut hand-tight only at this stage.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint - first side
    Lower the control arm to align the ball joint stud with the knuckle hole. Insert the ball joint stud fully into the knuckle taper. Install the ball joint castle nut and torque to specification. Install cotter pin if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install second new CV axle assembly
    Move to the opposite side and repeat steps 8-10 for the second new CV axle. Install inner CV joint to differential with bolts torqued to specification, insert outer end into hub, install new axle nut hand-tight, and reconnect ball joint to proper torque.
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque axle nuts and stake
    Reinstall both front wheels and lower vehicle until tires just touch ground (vehicle weight on suspension but still supported by jack stands). Have helper apply brake pedal or use brake pedal depressor. Torque both 32mm axle nuts to 256 Nm (189 lb-ft). After torquing, use a chisel and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove to prevent loosening. The staking should deform the nut collar into the shaft notch.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be properly staked after torquing. Failure to stake can result in nut loosening and wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut256 Nm (189 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands. Perform final torque check on lug nuts. Check that steering turns freely through full range of motion on both sides. Verify no contact between axles and suspension components throughout steering range.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Always use new axle nuts - reusing old nuts can lead to failure
2. Ensure CV joint bolts are torqued in star pattern to prevent binding
3. Verify axle nuts are properly staked after final torque
4. Confirm all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification before test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for vibration, clicking noises during turns, or unusual steering feedback
• Listen for clicking or popping from CV joints during full-lock turns in both directions
• Verify no fluid leaks from differential after several miles of driving
• Re-check axle nut torque and staking after 50-100 miles of driving
• Confirm proper wheel alignment - CV axle replacement can affect alignment if suspension was disturbed

More procedures for this vehicle