Parking Brake Cable

Replace the parking brake cable assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including removal of rear wheels, cable routing, adjustment, and functional testing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Parking brake cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify left/right/center cable needed
• Cable clips and retainers × 1 — Often included with cable assembly
• Cable bracket hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in PARK
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Release parking brake pedal/lever fully inside vehicle
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove both rear wheels and set aside
7. Spray penetrating oil on all cable mounting hardware and allow to soak 10-15 minutes
8. Take detailed photographs of cable routing from multiple angles for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access parking brake actuator mechanism
   From inside the vehicle, remove the center console trim panels to access the parking brake actuator mechanism. Remove any screws or clips securing the console. On models with electronic parking brake, disconnect the electrical connector at the actuator. On manual lever models, note the position of the cable adjuster before proceeding.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable at equalizer
   Locate the cable equalizer under the vehicle near the center tunnel. Loosen the equalizer nut completely to release cable tension. Note the number of threads exposed for initial reinstallation reference. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the equalizer by sliding them out of their slots. Support the cables to prevent them from falling.
   ⚠Ensure all tension is released before disconnecting cables. Sudden cable release can cause injury.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rear caliper cable connections
   At each rear wheel, locate where the parking brake cable connects to the rear brake caliper actuator lever. Remove the cable end from the caliper lever by compressing the retaining clip or removing the retaining pin. Disconnect the cable housing from the caliper bracket by removing the retaining clip or bolt.
   ⚠Do not damage caliper actuator lever or parking brake mechanism inside caliper.
4. 4

   Remove cable bracket mounting bolts
   Working from rear to front, remove all cable bracket bolts securing the parking brake cable to the vehicle underbody, tunnel, and suspension components. There are typically 4-6 brackets per side. Keep track of bracket locations and orientations. Remove any cable guides, clips, or routing hardware attached to the heat shields or chassis.
   ℹ️Cable routing through exhaust heat shields and suspension components is specific. Document each attachment point.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old parking brake cable
   Carefully pull the parking brake cable assembly through its routing path, working from the rear wheels toward the center of the vehicle. Guide the cable through any grommets in the floor pan or chassis. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting brackets, grommets, and guides for damage or excessive corrosion and replace as needed.
6. 6

   Prepare and route new cable
   Compare the new parking brake cable to the old cable to confirm correct part. Clean all bracket mounting points with a wire brush. Route the new cable through the vehicle following the exact path documented during removal. Ensure the cable passes through all grommets, heat shields, and guides. The cable must not contact exhaust components, suspension parts, or sharp edges. Install cable through floor pan grommets from underneath the vehicle.
   ⚠️Incorrect cable routing can cause cable failure, fire from exhaust contact, or suspension interference resulting in loss of vehicle control.
7. 7

   Install cable bracket mounting bolts
   Working from front to rear, install all cable bracket bolts finger-tight first to allow for position adjustment. Ensure cables are not twisted and follow the natural routing path. Verify clearance from exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension components through full suspension travel. Torque all cable bracket bolts to specification in sequence from front to rear.
   ⚠Verify minimum 25mm clearance from exhaust components and no contact during full suspension articulation.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts107 Nm (79 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect cables to rear brake calipers
   At each rear wheel, connect the parking brake cable end to the caliper actuator lever. Install the retaining pin or clip to secure the cable end. Seat the cable housing into the caliper bracket and install the retaining clip or bolt. Manually actuate the caliper lever to verify smooth cable operation and full lever return. Ensure the caliper actuator moves freely without binding.
9. 9

   Connect cables at equalizer and perform initial adjustment
   Route both parking brake cables to the equalizer. Install the cables into the equalizer slots. Thread the equalizer nut onto the cable stud to approximately the same position noted during removal. Do not fully tighten yet. Verify both cables move equally when the equalizer is pulled toward the front of the vehicle.
   ⚠Unequal cable adjustment will cause uneven rear braking and potential vehicle instability.
   Torque spec

   Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until wheels just touch the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern in three progressive steps (40%, 80%, 100% of final torque). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Perform final parking brake adjustment
    With the vehicle on the ground, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times to seat the brake pads. Apply and release the parking brake 3-4 times. Adjust the equalizer nut until there is slight resistance when rotating the rear wheels by hand with parking brake released. When parking brake is fully applied, both rear wheels should be locked and unable to rotate. Fine-tune adjustment: back off equalizer nut 1/4 turn from the point where drag is felt with parking brake released. Torque equalizer nut to specification while holding adjustment position.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Over-tightening causes brake drag, heat buildup, and potential brake failure. Under-tightening results in inadequate parking brake holding force.
    ⚠Final adjustment must be verified by testing on an incline per verification steps.
    Torque spec

    Equalizer Nut15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect interior components
    Reconnect the parking brake actuator electrical connector if equipped with electronic parking brake. Reinstall center console trim panels and secure all fasteners. Verify parking brake indicator light functions correctly on the instrument cluster when parking brake is applied.

Reassembly

1. Verify all cable brackets are torqued to specification and cables have proper clearance from all moving and hot components
2. Confirm parking brake releases fully and rear wheels spin freely with no drag
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued properly in star pattern
4. Test parking brake indicator light operation

Verification

• With engine running and transmission in DRIVE (foot on brake), apply parking brake - vehicle should not move and brake warning light should illuminate
• Release parking brake completely - warning light should extinguish and vehicle should move freely
• Test on a moderate incline (if safely possible): Park vehicle facing uphill and downhill, apply parking brake, shift to NEUTRAL - vehicle must remain stationary in both directions without rolling
• After test drive, check rear wheels for excessive heat indicating brake drag - wheels should be warm but not hot to touch
• Verify equal cable tension by checking that both rear wheels lock simultaneously when parking brake is applied
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• MANDATORY: If vehicle rolls on an incline with parking brake applied, DO NOT drive vehicle - readjust immediately or seek professional service

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