Idler Arm

Replace the steering idler arm on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD to restore proper steering geometry and eliminate play in the steering linkage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Idler arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (for tie rod end) × 1 — 2.5-3.0mm diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels to prevent rolling
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end nut and idler arm mounting bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the idler arm assembly
   From under the vehicle, locate the idler arm on the passenger side of the steering linkage. It connects the center link to the frame. Clean the area around the idler arm mounting points and tie rod connection with brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end
   Locate the tie rod end nut connecting the idler arm to the center link. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using needle-nose pliers or diagonal cutters. Discard the old cotter pin as it cannot be reused.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod end nut
   Using an 18mm socket or wrench, loosen the tie rod end nut but do not remove completely yet. Leave the nut threaded on by 2-3 turns to prevent the tie rod from suddenly separating when pressure is applied with the separator tool.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from idler arm
   Position a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the idler arm and the tie rod end taper. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit. Once the joint breaks free, remove the tie rod end nut completely and separate the tie rod from the idler arm. Support the center link to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end stud directly as this can damage the threads. Keep hands clear of pinch points when the taper breaks free.
5. 5

   Remove idler arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two or three bolts securing the idler arm bracket to the frame rail. Using a 15mm socket and wrench, remove these mounting bolts completely. The idler arm assembly may be heavy, so support it as you remove the final bolt.
6. 6

   Remove idler arm assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower and remove the idler arm assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting surface on the frame for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Prepare new idler arm
   Unpack the new idler arm assembly and verify it matches the original part. Check that all pivot points move freely without binding. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the mounting bolts (not the tapered stud).
8. 8

   Install new idler arm
   Position the new idler arm assembly against the frame mounting surface, aligning the bolt holes. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Torque idler arm mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the idler arm mounting bolts in a cross pattern (if multiple bolts) to the specified torque. Ensure the idler arm bracket is seated flush against the frame with no gaps.
10. 10

    Connect tie rod end to idler arm
    Position the center link so the tie rod end stud aligns with the hole in the new idler arm. Insert the tie rod end stud through the idler arm until it seats fully. The taper must be clean and dry for proper fitment.
11. 11

    Install and torque tie rod end nut
    Thread the tie rod end nut onto the stud and tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Ensure the castellations on the nut align with the cotter pin hole in the stud. If alignment is not achieved at proper torque, tighten further (never loosen) up to 1/6 turn to align the next castellation.
12. 12

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the aligned castellation and the hole in the tie rod end stud. Bend the legs of the cotter pin around the nut in opposite directions to secure it. Trim excess length if necessary, leaving approximately 5-10mm of pin extending beyond the nut.
13. 13

    Verify installation and clearances
    Manually move the steering linkage through its full range of motion to ensure the new idler arm pivots freely without binding. Check that there is adequate clearance between the idler arm and all surrounding components (frame, suspension, exhaust). Verify all fasteners are properly torqued.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels back onto the hubs, ensuring the mating surfaces are clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the wheels contact the ground but are not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.

Reassembly

1. After final wheel lug nut torque, fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
2. Perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on the ground
3. Do not drive the vehicle at highway speeds until a professional wheel alignment has been performed

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that the idler arm moves freely without excessive play when the steering wheel is turned
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm the cotter pin is properly installed and all fasteners are secure
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering response
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory after steering component replacement

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