Idler Pulley

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the accessory drive belt idler pulley on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Idler pulley assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Accessory drive belt (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 1 hour
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
4. Photograph or sketch serpentine belt routing before removal
5. Remove engine top cover by releasing mounting clips and removing Cover Bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine top cover
   Release any retaining clips and remove the cover bolts securing the engine cosmetic cover. Lift the cover away to expose the accessory drive system. Store bolts in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Document belt routing
   Take a clear photograph of the serpentine belt routing around all pulleys including the idler pulley, alternator, water pump, crankshaft, and any other accessories. This will be critical for proper reinstallation. Verify routing matches the underhood diagram if present.
3. 3

   Release belt tensioner
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Insert a 3/8" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the tensioner's square drive opening. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to relieve tension on the belt. This will require significant force.
4. 4

   Remove serpentine belt
   While holding tension released, slip the serpentine belt off one of the pulleys (alternator is typically easiest). Slowly release tensioner pressure and remove the belt completely from all pulleys. Inspect belt condition for cracks, fraying, glazing, or chunk loss.
5. 5

   Locate idler pulley
   Identify the idler pulley on the engine. It will be a smooth pulley (no grooves) located near the alternator and tensioner assembly. On this engine it is positioned on the lower passenger side of the accessory drive system. Note the bolt orientation.
6. 6

   Remove idler pulley bolt
   Using the appropriate socket (typically 13mm or 15mm), remove the center bolt securing the idler pulley to its mounting bracket. The bolt threads into a fixed bracket on the engine front cover. Hold the pulley to prevent spinning if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove idler pulley
   Pull the idler pulley assembly straight off its mounting stud or bracket. The pulley bearing should spin freely. Inspect the mounting surface on the bracket for damage, debris, or coolant contamination. Clean if necessary.
8. 8

   Inspect and compare parts
   Compare the new idler pulley with the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Check that bearing spins smoothly without play or noise. Inspect the mounting bracket and stud for wear or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with a clean rag.
9. 9

   Install new idler pulley
   Position the new idler pulley onto the mounting bracket, ensuring it seats fully on the stud or mounting surface. Verify the pulley spins freely and is properly aligned with other pulleys in the belt path.
   Torque spec

   Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque idler pulley bolt
    Install the idler pulley bolt and hand-tighten. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 45.0 Nm (33 lb-ft). Verify the pulley still spins freely after torquing and has no lateral play.
    Torque spec

    Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Route serpentine belt
    Following your photograph or the underhood routing diagram, begin threading the serpentine belt around each pulley except for one pulley (leave alternator or final pulley for last). Ensure belt ribs seat properly in grooved pulleys and the smooth side contacts smooth idler and tensioner pulleys.
12. 12

    Install belt on final pulley
    Rotate the belt tensioner counterclockwise again with your breaker bar to create slack. Route the belt onto the final pulley while holding tension. Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply proper tension to the belt. Verify belt is properly seated on all pulleys.
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the engine cosmetic cover back onto the engine, ensuring all mounting points align. Install and hand-tighten all cover bolts, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
2. Do not overtighten battery terminal as this can damage the clamp
3. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and verify accessory belt tracks properly on all pulleys without slipping or misalignment
• Listen for any unusual noises from the idler pulley area such as squealing, grinding, or chirping
• Observe belt operation for 30 seconds to confirm proper tension and tracking
• Check that all accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, water pump) are functioning correctly
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Shut off engine and visually inspect belt position on all pulleys once more

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