Drum Brake Hardware Kit

Replace drum brake hardware kit components including springs, adjusters, and hold-down hardware on the rear axle. This procedure requires complete brake system disassembly and proper adjustment upon reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drum brake hardware kit (includes springs, adjusters, hold-downs) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 2017 Levante
• Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner
• High-temperature brake lubricant × 1 — Silicone-based brake grease

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks at front wheels. DO NOT engage parking brake as it operates the rear drum brakes being serviced.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
3. Lift rear of vehicle using appropriate jacking points per owner's manual and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
5. Verify you have the correct drum brake hardware kit for 2017 Maserati Levante before beginning disassembly.
6. Take detailed photos of brake assembly from multiple angles before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
7. Have brake cleaner, clean shop rags, and all tools readily accessible.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear caliper assembly
   Remove the rear brake caliper by loosening and removing the caliper slide pin bolts. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line. Do not disconnect the brake line unless replacement is required.
2. 2

   Remove rear brake rotor
   Remove the rear brake rotor/disc by removing any retaining screws if present. If rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap evenly around the edge. The drum brake assembly is located behind the rotor hub on RWD Levante models.
   ℹ️The rotor may be seized to the hub due to corrosion. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak if necessary. Do not strike the rotor friction surface.
3. 3

   Access and inspect drum brake assembly
   With the rotor removed, locate the drum brake assembly integrated into the rear hub. Clean the exterior of the drum assembly with brake cleaner and inspect for fluid leaks from the wheel cylinder. Check drum surface for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear using a micrometer if available. Drum should be within service limits per Maserati specifications.
   ⚠Use only non-chlorinated brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area. Wear dust mask and eye protection. Do not breathe dust or allow it to become airborne.
4. 4

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using brake spring pliers, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the brake shoes. Note the position and orientation of each spring. These springs are under significant tension—keep face clear when removing. Remove any anchor springs or additional return springs per your reference photos.
   ⚠️Brake return springs are under extreme tension. Use proper brake spring pliers and keep your face and body clear of the spring path. Wear safety glasses.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoe hold-down hardware
   Using a brake hold-down spring tool, compress and rotate each hold-down spring assembly to release from the backing plate pins. Remove hold-down springs, retainers, and pins from both brake shoes. Keep hardware organized for comparison with new parts.
   ⚠Hold-down springs require proper tool for safe removal. Do not attempt to pry or force without the correct hold-down spring tool.
6. 6

   Disconnect brake shoe adjuster and remove shoes
   Disconnect the adjuster mechanism (star wheel assembly) from between the brake shoes. Remove the adjuster cable and lever if equipped. Carefully separate and remove both brake shoes from the backing plate, noting their position (primary/leading vs secondary/trailing shoe).
   ℹ️The adjuster mechanism may be specific to left or right side. Mark or photograph orientation before removal. Some adjusters have left-hand vs right-hand threads.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect backing plate and wheel cylinder
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaner, removing all dust and debris. Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks—any brake fluid seepage requires wheel cylinder replacement before proceeding. Check backing plate for cracks or damage. Wire brush any rust from contact pads but do not damage the surface.
   ⚠If wheel cylinder shows any signs of fluid leakage, it must be replaced before installing new hardware. Leaking wheel cylinders will contaminate new brake components and cause brake failure.
8. 8

   Compare old and new hardware components
   Lay out all components from the new hardware kit and compare with removed parts. Verify you have correct springs (return springs, hold-down springs), adjusters, pins, retainers, and any cables or levers. Ensure the adjuster mechanism matches the original (left vs right hand thread).
   ℹ️New hardware kits should include all springs, adjusters, and small parts. Reusing old springs is not recommended as they weaken over time and can cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Lubricate backing plate contact points
   Apply a thin layer of high-temperature silicone brake lubricant to the six raised contact pads on the backing plate where the brake shoe webs will rest. Also lubricate the threads and contact surfaces of the adjuster star wheel mechanism. Do not over-apply lubricant and do not allow any lubricant on brake linings or drum friction surfaces.
   ⚠Use only brake-specific high-temperature lubricant. Never use petroleum-based grease. Keep all lubricant away from brake linings and drum surfaces as contamination will cause brake failure.
10. 10

    Install brake shoes with new hold-down hardware
    Position the brake shoes onto the backing plate in their correct positions (primary and secondary shoes). Install the new hold-down pins through the backing plate from the rear, then install the new hold-down springs and retainers using the hold-down spring tool. Compress and rotate to lock in place.
    ℹ️Primary shoe typically has shorter lining than secondary shoe. Refer to your photos to ensure correct positioning. Shoes must sit flat on backing plate contact pads.
11. 11

    Install new adjuster mechanism
    Install the new adjuster assembly (star wheel mechanism) between the lower ends of the brake shoes. Ensure the adjuster is oriented correctly (verify thread direction) and engages properly with both shoes. Connect any adjuster cables and levers per original configuration.
    ℹ️Adjuster star wheel should rotate freely. Test operation before proceeding. Left and right adjusters may have opposite thread directions—verify correct side installation.
12. 12

    Install new return springs
    Using brake spring pliers, install the new return springs in the reverse order of removal. Typically install lower return spring first, then upper return spring. Ensure springs are properly seated in their anchor points and shoe slots. Verify all spring connections are secure and shoes move properly.
    ⚠️Return springs are under extreme tension when installed. Use proper brake spring pliers and ensure springs are fully seated. Improperly installed springs can release violently causing injury or brake failure.
13. 13

    Adjust brake shoe clearance
    Pre-adjust the brake shoes using the star wheel adjuster. Expand the shoes until they nearly contact the drum surface, then back off slightly. Use a brake drum gauge if available to match drum inside diameter, or install drum and check for slight drag when rotated. Proper pre-adjustment is critical for proper brake operation.
    ℹ️Shoes should be adjusted to slight drag when drum is installed and rotated. Over-adjustment will cause binding and premature wear. Under-adjustment will cause excessive pedal travel and poor parking brake operation.
14. 14

    Reinstall rotor and caliper
    Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Clean caliper slide pins and apply silicone brake grease per specifications. Position caliper over rotor and install caliper slide pin bolts, torquing to specification. Ensure caliper moves freely on slide pins.
15. 15

    Perform final checks and wheel installation
    Verify all brake components are properly installed and secured. Check for any tools or parts left in the brake area. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheel contacts ground, then torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side.
    ℹ️Both rear drum brake assemblies should be serviced at the same time to ensure balanced braking performance.

Reassembly

1. After completing both sides, pump brake pedal several times to restore hydraulic pressure and verify normal pedal feel.
2. Test parking brake operation—apply and release parking brake multiple times to ensure proper actuation of drum brakes and verify vehicle holds on incline.
3. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 Racing brake fluid if necessary. Do not reuse old brake fluid.
4. If brake pedal feels soft or spongy, brake system bleeding may be required following Maserati bleeding procedure.

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times with engine off. Pedal should feel firm and hold pressure. Soft pedal indicates air in system or improper installation.
• Apply parking brake and verify it holds vehicle securely on a slight incline. Release should fully disengage brakes.
• Perform test drive in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brake operation. Test service brakes and parking brake function.
• Listen for any unusual noises from rear brakes (grinding, squealing, clicking) which would indicate improper installation or adjustment.
• After initial test drive, re-check wheel lug nut torque and verify no fluid leaks at wheel cylinders or caliper connections.
• Perform hard brake applications from moderate speed (30-40 mph) in safe area to seat brake components. Verify even, straight braking with no pulling.
• CRITICAL: If any abnormal brake behavior is observed, DO NOT drive vehicle. Re-inspect installation immediately or seek professional service.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle