Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear Panhard bar (track bar) on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, which controls lateral rear axle movement and suspension alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bushings (if not included with bar) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle on lift or use floor jack and support with jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both rear wheels
6. Spray Panhard bar mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if vehicle has rust or corrosion
7. Visually inspect Panhard bar mounting points and bushings for damage or excessive wear

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark existing Panhard bar position
   Before removal, use a marking pen to mark the position of the Panhard bar relative to the mounting brackets on both the chassis and axle sides. This provides a reference for proper installation positioning and can help identify if the bar was previously adjusted or misaligned.
2. 2

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a hydraulic jack or jack stand under the rear differential to support the rear axle assembly. The axle should be at approximately normal ride height to reduce tension on the Panhard bar. Ensure the support is stable and will not slip during removal.
3. 3

   Remove chassis-side mounting bolt
   Locate the Panhard bar mounting bolt on the chassis side (typically on the passenger side frame rail). Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar if necessary, remove the mounting bolt completely. The bar may shift slightly when the bolt is removed. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Locate the Panhard bar mounting bolt on the rear axle side (typically on the driver side of the axle housing). Using an 18mm socket, remove the mounting bolt completely. Be prepared for the rear axle to shift slightly laterally once the bar is fully disconnected. Keep pressure on the bar to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove Panhard bar from vehicle
   Carefully lower and remove the Panhard bar from the vehicle. Inspect the removed bar for bent or damaged components, worn bushings, torn rubber mounts, or any signs of impact damage. If bushings are serviceable separately and show wear, replace them before installing the new bar.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean both the chassis-side and axle-side mounting brackets, removing any rust, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting bolt holes thoroughly. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage that could affect installation. Apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads.
7. 7

   Position new Panhard bar
   Lift the new Panhard bar into position, aligning it with the mounting brackets on both the chassis and axle sides. The bar should be oriented so that bushings seat properly in their brackets. You may need to use the hydraulic jack to adjust rear axle height slightly to align the mounting holes. Reference the alignment marks made during disassembly.
8. 8

   Install chassis-side mounting bolt
   Insert the chassis-side mounting bolt through the Panhard bar bushing and bracket. Install any washers or spacers in the same orientation as removed. Thread the bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Snug the bolt finger-tight but do not torque yet. The bar must be able to pivot slightly for axle-side installation.
9. 9

   Install axle-side mounting bolt
   Insert the axle-side mounting bolt through the Panhard bar bushing and axle bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes while compressing the bushing. Install any washers or spacers in the correct orientation. Thread the bolt by hand and snug finger-tight. Do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Adjust axle to ride height and torque bolts
    With the vehicle still raised, use the hydraulic jack to position the rear axle at normal ride height (suspension neither compressed nor extended). This is critical for proper bushing orientation and longevity. Once at ride height, torque the chassis-side mounting bolt to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Then torque the axle-side mounting bolt to specification. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued.
11. 11

    Remove axle support and verify clearance
    Carefully remove the hydraulic jack from under the rear differential. Allow the axle to hang naturally and verify the Panhard bar has adequate clearance from the exhaust system, driveshaft, and other components throughout the full range of suspension travel. Manually cycle the suspension up and down slightly to check for binding or interference.
12. 12

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Install both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the vehicle weight is still supported by the lift or jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Then fully lower the vehicle to the ground.

Reassembly

1. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification at ride height
2. Double-check that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle
3. Remove wheel chocks and release parking brake

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify the rear end tracks straight without pulling to one side
• Listen for any clunking or knocking noises from the rear suspension during direction changes or over bumps
• Visually inspect the Panhard bar installation after test drive to ensure bolts remain tight and no movement is present at the bushings
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment to verify rear axle thrust angle and centerline position are within specification
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque both Panhard bar mounting bolts to specification to account for bushing settling

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