Driveshaft - Front

This procedure covers removal and installation of the front driveshaft on a 2017 Maserati Levante RWD with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including center support bearing service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driveshaft flange bolts × 6 — Use OEM specification - torque-to-yield
• Center support bearing assembly (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine and exhaust components are completely cool
3. Raise vehicle with hydraulic jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
4. Remove engine undertray/splash shields to access driveshaft components
5. Clean all driveshaft flanges and connection points with wire brush to facilitate marking

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or center punch, create alignment marks on both driveshaft flanges relative to their mating flanges (transmission output and rear differential input). Mark the center support bearing bracket orientation relative to the driveshaft and chassis. These marks are critical for maintaining driveline balance during reassembly.
2. 2

   Support driveshaft
   Position a jack or support strap under the center portion of the driveshaft to support its weight during removal. The driveshaft must not be allowed to drop or hang unsupported at any point during this procedure.
3. 3

   Remove front flange bolts
   Remove the six bolts connecting the front driveshaft flange to the transmission output flange. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Have an assistant hold the driveshaft or use a pry bar to prevent rotation. Discard these bolts as they are torque-to-yield and must be replaced.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing bolts
   While maintaining support of the driveshaft, remove the bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the chassis crossmember. Note the exact position and orientation of any shims or spacers present.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rear flange bolts
   Remove the six bolts connecting the rear driveshaft flange to the rear differential input flange. Again, prevent rotation using appropriate methods. Discard these bolts as they must be replaced with new hardware.
6. 6

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   Carefully lower and slide the complete driveshaft assembly rearward and downward, clearing it from the transmission output shaft and differential input flange. Guide the center support bearing through its mounting location. Avoid bending or putting lateral stress on the CV joints during removal.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   Inspect the center support bearing for excessive play, roughness, or noise when rotated by hand. Check CV joints for torn boots, grease leakage, or binding. Inspect all splines on both flanges for wear or damage. Examine transmission output shaft seal and differential input seal for leakage. Replace center support bearing if any defects are found.
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all flange mating surfaces on the transmission output, differential input, and driveshaft flanges using a wire brush and shop towels. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker residue. Ensure surfaces are clean and dry.
9. 9

   Position new/serviced driveshaft
   Carefully guide the driveshaft assembly into position, aligning the center support bearing bracket with its chassis mounting location. Ensure the rear flange aligns with the differential input flange according to the alignment marks made during removal. Support the driveshaft weight with a jack or helper.
10. 10

    Install center support bearing
    Align the center support bearing bracket with the chassis crossmember mounting holes, ensuring proper orientation per the alignment marks. Install any shims or spacers in their original positions. Install bolts hand-tight initially.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install rear flange bolts
    Align the rear driveshaft flange with the differential input flange according to alignment marks. Install NEW flange bolts with medium-strength thread locker applied to threads. Install all six bolts hand-tight, ensuring proper alignment, then torque in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install front flange bolts
    Align the front driveshaft flange with the transmission output flange according to alignment marks. Install NEW flange bolts with medium-strength thread locker applied. Install all six bolts hand-tight, verify alignment, then torque in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque center support bearing
    With both flanges now connected and supporting the driveshaft properly, torque the center support bearing bracket bolts to specification. This ensures the bearing is mounted in its natural loaded position.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final inspection
    Remove support jack or strap from under driveshaft. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification. Rotate driveshaft by hand to ensure smooth rotation with no binding or interference. Check that all alignment marks are properly matched.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine undertray and splash shields using original fasteners
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground
3. Torque all undertray fasteners to manufacturer specifications

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal vibrations at idle
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (20-70 mph) to verify smooth driveline operation with no vibration, clunking, or binding
• Listen for abnormal noises during acceleration and deceleration
• Verify no fluid leaks from transmission output seal or differential input seal after test drive
• Re-inspect all driveshaft fasteners for proper torque after test drive

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