Driveshaft - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear driveshaft on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including disconnection from the transmission and differential.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Differential pinion yoke nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear driveshaft (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Lift rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points.
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven.
4. Inspect driveshaft, u-joints, and center support bearing (if equipped) for obvious damage or wear.
5. Using a center punch or paint marker, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and transmission flange, and between driveshaft and differential pinion yoke for proper reinstallation alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a center punch or paint marker, create alignment marks on the driveshaft flange and transmission output flange, as well as the driveshaft and differential pinion yoke. These marks must align during reinstallation to maintain driveline balance and prevent vibration.
2. 2

   Remove transmission end fasteners
   Remove the four flange bolts connecting the driveshaft to the transmission output flange. Support the rear of the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping. If the flange rotates, have an assistant apply the parking brake or use a pry bar to hold the flange steady.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support driveshaft
   Position a transmission jack under the center of the driveshaft or use support straps to prevent the driveshaft from falling when the rear connection is released. The driveshaft weighs approximately 15-20 kg and can cause injury if dropped.
4. 4

   Disconnect differential pinion yoke
   Remove the four u-joint strap bolts connecting the rear universal joint to the differential pinion yoke. If removing the pinion yoke entirely, mark its rotational position on the pinion shaft, then remove the pinion yoke nut. Note: removing the pinion nut will require resetting pinion preload during reinstallation.
   ⚠If the differential pinion yoke nut is removed, pinion bearing preload must be verified and reset during installation. This requires specialized knowledge and tools.
   Torque spec

   U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

   Differential Pinion Yoke Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Carefully lower the driveshaft while supporting both ends. Slide the front slip yoke out of the transmission extension housing if equipped. Guide the driveshaft down and out from under the vehicle. Keep the driveshaft level to avoid binding. Place removed driveshaft on a clean work surface and cover u-joints to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Inspect components
   Inspect the transmission output seal for leaks. Check u-joints for play, rust, or dry bearings by attempting to rotate the yokes - there should be no lateral movement. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear or damage. Examine the center support bearing (if equipped) for roughness or noise when rotated. Replace any worn components before reinstallation.
   ℹ️U-joints with any detectable play or roughness must be replaced. Worn u-joints can fail catastrophically at speed.
7. 7

   Prepare driveshaft for installation
   If installing a new or rebuilt driveshaft, verify that all u-joints move smoothly without binding. Clean all mating surfaces on flanges and yokes with brake cleaner. Apply a thin coat of clean gear oil to slip yoke splines if equipped. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of u-joint strap bolts.
8. 8

   Install driveshaft into position
   With assistance or using a transmission jack, raise the driveshaft into position. If equipped with a slip yoke, slide the front yoke into the transmission extension housing, ensuring splines engage properly. Align the driveshaft so the previously made alignment marks will match when connected.
   ⚠Do not force the slip yoke into the transmission. Misaligned splines can damage the output shaft seal or splines.
9. 9

   Connect driveshaft to differential
   Align the rear u-joint with the differential pinion yoke, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the u-joint strap bolts with threadlocker already applied. Thread bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. If the pinion yoke was removed, install it onto the pinion shaft in its original position with a new pinion nut.
   Torque spec

   U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

   Differential Pinion Yoke Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect driveshaft to transmission
    Align the front driveshaft flange with the transmission output flange, matching the alignment marks. Install the four flange bolts and thread them by hand to verify proper thread engagement. Torque the flange bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the flange.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners
    Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque the u-joint strap bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Torque the driveshaft flange bolts to specification in a cross pattern. If the pinion yoke nut was installed, torque to specification and verify pinion bearing preload is within factory specifications (requires specialized tools).
    ⚠The differential pinion yoke nut torque is critical for proper pinion bearing preload. Incorrect preload can cause bearing failure or excessive backlash.
    Torque spec

    U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

    Differential Pinion Yoke Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check differential fluid level
    If any differential fluid was lost during driveshaft removal, top off the differential with 75W-140 synthetic gear oil to the proper level. The fill plug is located on the front or side of the differential housing. Fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill hole.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all alignment marks match their original positions.
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification.
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left under the vehicle.

Verification

• Lower vehicle to the ground and start engine. Shift through all gears while stationary to verify transmission operation.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 25 mph) and listen for unusual noises, clunks, or vibrations during acceleration and deceleration.
• Gradually increase speed to highway speeds and verify smooth operation with no vibration. Any vibration indicates improper alignment or balance issues.
• After test drive, re-inspect all fasteners to ensure none have loosened.
• Check differential for fluid leaks around the pinion yoke seal.

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