Leaf Spring U-Bolt Kit

Replace the rear leaf spring U-bolt kit, which secures the rear axle assembly to the leaf springs on the 2017 Maserati Levante RWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring U-bolt kit (includes U-bolts, nuts, and washers) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature rated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Position transmission jack or axle stand under rear differential to support axle weight
8. Spray penetrating oil on U-bolt nuts and threads if corrosion is present, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position the transmission jack or axle stand directly under the rear differential housing. Raise slightly to just contact the differential and take minimal weight off the U-bolts, but do not lift the axle. The leaf springs should remain in their normal loaded position.
2. 2

   Remove existing U-bolt nuts
   Using appropriate socket, remove all four U-bolt nuts from the U-bolt assembly. Note that there are two U-bolts per side, each with two nuts. Remove nuts in a cross pattern to maintain even pressure. Keep track of washers and mounting plates.
3. 3

   Remove old U-bolts
   Once nuts are removed, extract the U-bolts from their mounting positions. They may be corroded or seized; gently tap with a soft mallet if necessary. Remove the U-bolt mounting plate that sits between the axle and leaf spring.
4. 4

   Inspect mounting surfaces and components
   Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush, removing rust, corrosion, and old thread compound. Thoroughly inspect the leaf spring pads, axle mounting surfaces, and leaf springs themselves for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. Check that the leaf spring center pin is intact and properly located.
5. 5

   Position new U-bolt mounting plate
   Place the new U-bolt mounting plate on top of the leaf spring, ensuring it is properly centered and aligned with the axle tube. The plate should sit flat against the spring with no gaps. Verify the axle is properly seated in the leaf spring saddle.
6. 6

   Install new U-bolts
   Insert the new U-bolts through the mounting plate and around the axle tube. Thread them through the lower mounting plate or bracket. Ensure U-bolt legs pass through their designated holes without cross-threading or forcing. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the threads.
7. 7

   Install washers and nuts
   Place washers on each U-bolt stud, then thread nuts onto all four studs finger-tight. Ensure washers are properly seated and nuts thread smoothly without cross-threading. Do not tighten yet.
8. 8

   Torque U-bolt nuts to specification
   Tighten U-bolt nuts in a cross pattern (diagonal sequence) to ensure even clamping force. Follow the manufacturer's torque specification for U-bolt nuts. If no specific torque is provided in your kit documentation, use 95-110 Nm (70-81 lb-ft) as typical for this application. Perform torquing in stages: first to 50% torque, then to 75%, and finally to full specification.
9. 9

   Verify axle alignment
   With U-bolts torqued, verify the axle assembly is properly centered on the leaf springs and perpendicular to the vehicle centerline. Check that the mounting plate sits flush and even on both sides. Lower the axle jack slightly to confirm the axle is secure and properly seated.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the rear wheels back onto the hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque value.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque check
    Remove axle support jack. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, perform a final torque check on all U-bolt nuts to specification. This is critical as settling may occur when weight is applied.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all U-bolt nuts are torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the work area
3. Re-torque U-bolt nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as they may settle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Check that rear axle tracks straight with no apparent misalignment
• Visually inspect U-bolt installation to confirm all nuts are secure and mounting plates are flush
• After 50-100 miles, re-check U-bolt torque and retorque if necessary
• Verify no fluid leaks from rear differential after service

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