Fan Belt Replacement

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the serpentine fan belt (accessory drive belt) on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine belt (accessory drive belt) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 60 minutes
3. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands to access belt from below
4. Remove engine undertray panels to access serpentine belt system from below
5. Photograph or document belt routing configuration before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect current belt condition and routing
   From underneath the vehicle, visually inspect the existing serpentine belt for the routing path around all pulleys including crankshaft, alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and idler/tensioner pulleys. Take clear photos for reference. Check belt condition for cracks, glazing, or fraying to confirm replacement is necessary.
2. 2

   Locate and access the belt tensioner
   Identify the automatic belt tensioner assembly on the front of the engine. The tensioner is spring-loaded and maintains constant belt tension. Locate the 3/8" or 1/2" square drive socket on the tensioner arm used to rotate the tensioner and release belt tension.
3. 3

   Release belt tension and remove old belt
   Insert a serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square drive socket on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner clockwise (away from belt) to release tension. While holding tension released, slide the belt off one pulley (typically the alternator or smooth idler pulley). Slowly release tensioner pressure and remove the tool. Remove the old belt from all pulleys and extract from engine bay.
   ⚠Maintain firm control of the tensioner tool during release. Do not allow the tensioner to snap back suddenly as this can damage the tensioner mechanism.
4. 4

   Inspect tensioner and idler pulleys
   With the belt removed, manually rotate each pulley including the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Check for roughness, binding, excessive play, or noise. Verify tensioner arm moves smoothly through its range and returns to the extended position under spring pressure. Replace any pulleys showing signs of bearing failure.
5. 5

   Route new belt around pulleys
   Beginning with the crankshaft pulley, route the new serpentine belt around all pulleys following the documented routing pattern from your reference photo. Leave one pulley (typically the alternator or smooth idler) without the belt for final installation. Ensure the belt ribs seat properly in each grooved pulley and the smooth side contacts any flat pulleys.
6. 6

   Install belt under tension
   Insert the serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the tensioner arm socket and rotate to release tension. While holding the tensioner rotated, slip the belt onto the final pulley ensuring proper rib engagement. Verify the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys. Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply proper tension to the belt. Remove the tool.
7. 7

   Verify belt routing and alignment
   Carefully inspect the entire belt path to confirm correct routing around all pulleys matching your reference diagram. Check that belt ribs are properly seated in all grooved pulleys and the belt tracks centered on each pulley without riding on edges. Verify the belt does not contact any brackets, hoses, or engine components.
8. 8

   Perform tension verification
   Manually rotate the belt by hand through several complete revolutions to ensure smooth operation without binding or misalignment. The belt should track properly on all pulleys without walking off to the sides. Verify the tensioner arm is in the normal operating position (not at full extension or compression).

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all engine undertray panels and secure fasteners
2. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
3. Do not start engine until final verification is complete

Verification

• Start the engine and allow to idle while listening for unusual belt noises such as squealing or chirping
• Observe belt operation through engine bay from above to confirm smooth running without vibration or flutter
• Verify all accessories function properly: alternator charging, air conditioning operation, and power steering assist
• Check belt alignment after 30 seconds of operation to ensure it remains centered on all pulleys
• Perform final visual inspection after engine reaches operating temperature to confirm belt remains properly seated

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