Lower Control Arm - Front

Replace the front lower control arm on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including disconnection of the ball joint, sway bar link, and control arm mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating lubricant on all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and loosen nut
   Locate the ball joint connection between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Use pliers or cotter pin tool to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using an 18mm socket, loosen the ball joint nut but do not remove completely yet. Leave nut threaded on a few turns to protect threads during separation.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Position ball joint separator tool between the control arm and steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure with the separator tool to break the taper fit. If using a pickle fork, strike firmly but avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing. Once taper is broken, remove the ball joint nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the lower control arm. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using appropriate socket, remove the sway bar link nut from the control arm side. Allow the sway bar link to hang or support with wire if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support control arm with jack
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint area with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to take tension off the control arm mounting bolts. This prevents the arm from dropping suddenly when bolts are removed.
5. 5

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt that connects to the subframe or chassis. This is typically the bolt furthest from the ball joint end. Using a 16mm socket and breaker bar, remove the rear mounting bolt completely. Note the orientation and any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the front control arm mounting bolt using a 16mm socket and breaker bar. With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the floor jack and guide the control arm out of the vehicle. Note the position of any alignment shims or eccentric washers for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and prepare new control arm
   Use a wire brush to clean the control arm mounting points on the subframe and the ball joint taper seat on the steering knuckle. Inspect for any damage or excessive wear. Remove any protective coating or shipping grease from the new control arm bushings and ball joint. Transfer any reusable hardware if applicable.
8. 8

   Install new control arm to subframe
   Position the new lower control arm into the mounting location. Support with floor jack as needed. Install the front mounting bolt finger tight, then install the rear mounting bolt finger tight. Ensure any alignment shims or eccentric washers are in their original positions. Do not torque bolts at this time - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
   Raise the control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle taper using the floor jack. Ensure the taper is clean and seated properly. Install the ball joint castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the control arm. Install the link nut while holding the shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower the vehicle completely to the ground so that full vehicle weight is on the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque control arm mounting bolts
    With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the suspension, crawl under the vehicle and torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts with the suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure. Use a torque wrench and ensure bolts reach proper specification.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued, especially control arm mounting bolts with vehicle weight on suspension
2. Confirm new cotter pin is properly installed and bent on ball joint castle nut
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from suspension
• Perform steering input tests in safe area to confirm proper control arm operation
• Check for any looseness or play in the front suspension by rocking wheel with vehicle raised
• Schedule wheel alignment immediately after control arm replacement to ensure proper vehicle handling and tire wear

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