Electric Power Steering Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric Power Steering Motor Assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt × 1 — M10x1.25 coupling bolt
• Mounting bolts × 3 — M8x1.25 mounting bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
4. Turn ignition off and remove key
5. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Install steering wheel locking device to prevent wheel rotation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering rack area
   Raise and support the front of the vehicle on jack stands. Remove both front wheels. Remove the front undershield panels to access the steering rack assembly from below. This requires removing multiple fasteners - keep them organized for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the electric power steering motor on the steering rack assembly. Disconnect the main power connector from the EPS motor by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Disconnect the position sensor connector if equipped. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove motor mounting cover
   Remove the protective cover over the EPS motor mounting area by removing the cover screws. The cover protects the coupling bolt and motor mounting bolts. Set cover and screws aside in a clean location.
4. 4

   Mark coupling alignment
   Before removing the coupling bolt, use a paint pen or marker to mark the relationship between the EPS motor shaft and the steering rack input shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and prevents steering angle errors.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering rack to rotate during motor removal or clockspring damage may occur
5. 5

   Remove coupling bolt
   Remove the coupling bolt that connects the EPS motor shaft to the steering rack input shaft. This bolt secures the splined coupling. Apply penetrating lubricant if the bolt is difficult to remove. Keep the bolt if reusing, but replacement is recommended.
   ⚠Support the EPS motor before removing the last mounting bolt to prevent it from falling
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the three mounting bolts that secure the EPS motor to the steering rack housing. Support the motor weight with one hand while removing the final bolt. Carefully pull the motor away from the steering rack, ensuring the splined coupling separates cleanly.
7. 7

   Inspect coupling and shaft
   With the motor removed, inspect the steering rack input shaft splines for wear or damage. Check the motor output shaft splines for wear. Inspect the coupling for cracks or deformation. Clean any debris from the mounting surface and coupling area with a lint-free cloth.
8. 8

   Prepare new motor for installation
   Unpack the new EPS motor and verify it matches the original unit. Check that all electrical connectors are compatible. Ensure the motor shaft rotates smoothly without binding. Apply a light coat of clean grease to the splined coupling area to aid installation.
9. 9

   Install new EPS motor
   Align the new motor shaft splines with the steering rack input shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Carefully slide the motor onto the rack housing, ensuring the splines engage properly. Start all three mounting bolts by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
   ⚠Verify splines are fully engaged before tightening mounting bolts - partial engagement will damage components
10. 10

    Install coupling bolt
    Install the new or cleaned coupling bolt through the coupling to secure the motor shaft to the rack input shaft. Verify the alignment marks still match. Torque the coupling bolt to specification in one smooth motion.
    ⚠This is a critical fastener - use proper torque wrench and verify final torque value
11. 11

    Reinstall protective cover
    Clean the protective cover and reinstall it over the motor mounting area. Install all cover screws and torque to specification. Ensure the cover is properly seated and provides clearance for all moving components.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the main power connector to the EPS motor, ensuring it clicks into place. Reconnect the position sensor connector if equipped. Verify all connectors are fully seated and locking tabs are engaged. Check that wiring harnesses are properly routed and secured.
13. 13

    Reinstall undershields and wheels
    Reinstall all front undershield panels removed during disassembly. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
14. 14

    Perform system initialization
    Remove the steering wheel locking device. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Turn the steering wheel slowly from full lock to full lock 2-3 times to allow the system to initialize. Connect the scan tool and perform steering angle sensor calibration according to manufacturer procedures.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Confirm all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the coupling bolt
3. Ensure protective covers are reinstalled and secure
4. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after test drive

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster
• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check for proper power steering assist - steering should feel light and responsive
• Perform a test drive at low speeds to verify proper steering function and no vibration or pulling
• Use scan tool to verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present in the steering system
• Confirm steering angle sensor reads correctly and steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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