Pitman Arm

Replace the pitman arm on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including removal of the steering linkage connection and installation of the new component.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove front wheels
6. Apply penetrating oil to pitman arm nut and splines if corrosion is visible

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark pitman arm alignment
   Using a paint marker or scribe, mark the exact alignment position of the pitman arm relative to the steering gear output shaft. Make multiple reference marks including the spline position and rotational orientation. This is critical for maintaining proper steering center and geometry.
2. 2

   Access pitman arm area
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the pitman arm connection at the steering gear output shaft. Clear any splash shields or protective covers that may obstruct access to the pitman arm nut. The pitman arm connects the steering gear to the center link of the steering linkage.
3. 3

   Disconnect center link
   Locate where the pitman arm connects to the center link or drag link. Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and loosen the castle nut or retaining nut. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator if necessary to separate the taper connection. Do not strike the pitman arm directly with a hammer as this can damage the steering gear.
   ⚠The taper fit connection may release suddenly. Keep hands and body clear of pinch points.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut57 Nm (42 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove pitman arm retaining nut
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the pitman arm nut from the steering gear output shaft. This nut is torqued to 185 Nm and will require significant force to loosen. Hold the steering wheel locked or have the steering gear stabilized to prevent rotation during removal.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install pitman arm puller
   Thread a proper pitman arm puller onto the steering gear output shaft or position it according to the puller design. Ensure the puller is centered and seated properly against the pitman arm. Do not use heat or excessive hammering as this can damage the steering gear seals and bearings.
   ⚠️Never position any body part between the puller and pitman arm. The arm will release suddenly under high pressure.
6. 6

   Remove pitman arm from shaft
   Tighten the puller screw gradually and evenly. The pitman arm is pressed onto tapered splines and will require substantial force to remove. Continue tightening the puller until the arm releases from the shaft with a distinct pop. Remove the puller and slide the pitman arm off the output shaft.
7. 7

   Inspect steering gear shaft
   Examine the steering gear output shaft splines for wear, damage, or corrosion. Clean the splines thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for any scoring or metal damage. Check the shaft seal for leakage. If seal is leaking, steering gear service may be required before installing new pitman arm.
8. 8

   Prepare new pitman arm
   Inspect the new pitman arm for shipping damage. Verify the spline count and taper match the original. Clean the internal splines of the new pitman arm. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the steering gear output shaft splines (avoid getting compound on the taper surfaces).
9. 9

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the alignment marks made during disassembly. Carefully slide the arm onto the steering gear output shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly and the arm is oriented correctly. The arm should slide on approximately 80% of the way by hand with proper alignment.
   ⚠Incorrect pitman arm orientation will result in improper steering geometry and potential unsafe handling. Verify alignment marks match exactly.
10. 10

    Install and torque pitman arm nut
    Install the new pitman arm retaining nut onto the steering gear output shaft. Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque the nut to specification in one smooth motion. Do not use an impact wrench. The nut draws the pitman arm fully onto the tapered splines during final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect center link
    Position the pitman arm stud into the center link or drag link taper hole. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. If equipped with a cotter pin, install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and bend properly. Ensure the connection is tight with no play.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut57 Nm (42 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle from jack stands and perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground. Reconnect negative battery cable.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify all alignment marks match original positions
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the work area

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights related to steering system
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead (minor adjustment is normal)
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify proper steering response and return-to-center
• Schedule four-wheel alignment as pitman arm replacement affects steering geometry and toe settings

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