Lateral Arm

Replace the rear lateral arm (control arm) on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including removal of mounting hardware and proper torque sequence.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lateral arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — 3mm x 30mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
7. Inspect lateral arm for damage and verify which arm requires replacement (upper or lower)

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the lateral arm is disconnected and keeps tension off components.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut connecting the lateral arm to the knuckle or subframe. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one will be installed.
3. 3

   Remove ball joint nut
   Using a 15mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Do not attempt to separate the joint yet. Keep the nut accessible as you may need to thread it back on partially to protect the threads during separation.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate ball joint taper
   Install a ball joint separator tool between the lateral arm and the mounting point. Apply steady pressure to break the taper fit. If using a pickle fork, position it carefully to avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing other components. Tap the knuckle boss with a hammer while applying pressure if necessary. Once separated, remove the separator tool.
   ⚠Do not strike the control arm or ball joint directly. Strike only the mounting point or use a proper separator tool.
5. 5

   Remove inner control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts securing the lateral arm to the subframe or chassis mounting bracket. Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove both bolts completely. Note the position and orientation of any washers, shims, or alignment markers for reinstallation. Support the arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lateral arm
   Carefully maneuver the lateral arm out of the suspension assembly. You may need to rotate or angle the arm to clear the knuckle, sway bar links, or other suspension components. Inspect the mounting points on the subframe for damage or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the subframe and knuckle using a wire brush. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread locker from bolt holes. Inspect the ball joint taper seat in the knuckle for damage or excessive wear. Clean the bolt threads with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new lateral arm
   Position the new lateral arm into place, aligning the ball joint with the knuckle taper and the inner bushings with the subframe mounting points. Insert the ball joint into the knuckle taper seat and ensure it is fully seated. Thread the ball joint nut on by hand several turns to hold the arm in position.
   ℹ️Do not fully tighten any fasteners until instructed. All suspension bolts must be torqued at ride height.
9. 9

   Install inner mounting bolts finger tight
   Insert both inner control arm mounting bolts through the bushings and into the subframe. Ensure any washers or alignment shims are in their original positions. Thread bolts in by hand until they are snug but do not torque them yet. Verify the arm moves freely and is not bound.
10. 10

    Torque ball joint nut and install cotter pin
    Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, torque the ball joint nut to specification. Once torqued, align the castellations on the nut with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint stud. If necessary, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) to align the hole. Install a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the legs to secure it.
    ⚠Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten further if needed to align castellations.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle slowly using the jack until the tires just touch the ground but the jack stands still support most of the weight. Remove jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely so full weight is on the suspension.
    ℹ️Vehicle weight must be on suspension before torquing control arm bolts to prevent bushing preload and premature wear.
12. 12

    Torque control arm mounting bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height (full weight on wheels), crawl under and torque both inner control arm mounting bolts to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Torque each bolt in a crossing pattern if applicable. This ensures proper bushing alignment and prevents premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Make two complete passes to ensure even seating and proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove floor jack from under suspension
2. Double-check that all fasteners have been installed and properly torqued
3. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured in ball joint
4. Check for any tools or parts left in the work area

Verification

• Bounce the rear corner of the vehicle several times and listen for any unusual noises or clunks
• Verify the lateral arm does not have excessive play by attempting to move it by hand
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no abnormal noises
• Have a professional alignment performed as soon as possible, as control arm replacement affects suspension geometry
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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