Pressure Plate

Replace the pressure plate assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD by removing the transmission, separating the clutch assembly from the flywheel, and installing new components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pressure plate assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clutch disc × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Release bearing (throwout bearing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pilot bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flywheel bolts × 8 — Use OEM specification if TTY
• Transmission mounting bolts × 1 — Replace if damaged

Fluids

• ZF Lifeguard 8 — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on a proper lift or secured on jack stands rated for vehicle weight with wheels chocked
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for system capacitor discharge
3. Remove engine undertray and transmission protective covers
4. Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid via drain plug, noting condition
5. Remove driveshaft from transmission output flange and support out of work area
6. Disconnect shift linkage, electrical connectors, and clutch hydraulic line from transmission
7. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or hoist with load leveler
8. Remove exhaust system components interfering with transmission removal (typically from catalytic converters rearward)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission crossmember and mounts
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with wooden block for protection. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts. Lower crossmember carefully and remove transmission mounting bolts from chassis side. Support transmission weight fully on jack before removing final mount fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate transmission from engine
   Remove all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts. Verify all electrical connectors, ground straps, and hydraulic lines are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission rearward on jack, keeping it level to disengage input shaft from clutch disc splines. Once clear of clutch assembly, lower transmission and move away from vehicle workspace.
   ⚠Do not allow transmission weight to hang on input shaft. This can damage clutch disc or pilot bearing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Inspect clutch release system
   Examine clutch release bearing (throwout bearing) and fork for wear, damage, or leaking hydraulic fluid. Remove release bearing from input shaft sleeve. Inspect pilot bearing in center of flywheel for roughness or excessive play. Mark orientation of pressure plate to flywheel if reusing flywheel for reference.
4. 4

   Remove pressure plate assembly
   Install flywheel holding tool to prevent flywheel rotation. Gradually loosen pressure plate mounting bolts in a star pattern, loosening each bolt 2-3 turns at a time to release spring tension evenly. Once all bolts are loose, remove them completely. Carefully remove pressure plate and clutch disc assembly from flywheel, noting clutch disc orientation (flywheel side vs transmission side).
   ⚠Pressure plate contains strong springs under tension. Loosen bolts gradually in star pattern to prevent warping or sudden release.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect and prepare flywheel
   Inspect flywheel friction surface for heat checking, cracks, grooves, or glazing. Measure flywheel thickness and check for warpage if resurfacing specifications are available. Clean flywheel surface with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. If flywheel requires resurfacing or replacement, remove flywheel bolts in star pattern using flywheel holding tool.
   ℹ️Flywheel bolts are typically TTY (torque-to-yield). Inspect for stretch marks and replace if previously torqued.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Replace pilot bearing
   Remove old pilot bearing from center of flywheel using appropriate puller or slide hammer. Clean pilot bearing bore thoroughly. Install new pilot bearing squarely into flywheel bore using appropriate driver until fully seated and flush with specification. Lubricate pilot bearing inner race lightly with high-temperature bearing grease.
7. 7

   Install clutch disc and pressure plate
   Ensure flywheel and pressure plate mounting surfaces are completely clean and dry. Place new clutch disc against flywheel with correct orientation (longer hub side typically faces transmission, verify with manufacturer markings). Insert clutch alignment tool through clutch disc hub and into pilot bearing to center disc. Position new pressure plate over alignment tool and onto flywheel dowel pins.
   ⚠Verify clutch disc orientation before installation. Incorrect orientation will prevent engagement and require transmission removal again.
8. 8

   Torque pressure plate mounting bolts
   Install all pressure plate mounting bolts finger-tight while maintaining clutch disc alignment with tool. Torque bolts gradually in star pattern to specification, working in 3 stages: first to 20 Nm, then 40 Nm, then final specification. Verify clutch alignment tool still moves freely after final torque. Remove alignment tool only after verifying smooth rotation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install release bearing
   Clean transmission input shaft bearing retainer and input shaft splines with brake cleaner. Apply thin coat of high-temperature bearing grease to input shaft splines and release bearing contact surfaces. Install new release bearing onto input shaft sleeve and verify it moves smoothly. Connect release bearing to clutch fork if applicable.
10. 10

    Reinstall transmission
    Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to input shaft splines (avoid excess that could contaminate clutch). Position transmission on jack at proper height and angle. Carefully guide input shaft through release bearing and into clutch disc splines, rotating transmission output shaft slightly to align splines. Once input shaft enters pilot bearing, push transmission forward until bellhousing contacts engine block evenly.
    ⚠Input shaft must slide freely into clutch disc. If resistance is felt, do not force. Verify alignment and clutch disc centering.
11. 11

    Install transmission mounting hardware
    Install all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts finger-tight, ensuring proper thread engagement. Torque bellhousing bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Install transmission mount and crossmember, torquing fasteners to specification. Remove transmission jack and engine support fixture once all mounts are secured.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect components and refill transmission
    Reconnect driveshaft to transmission output flange. Reconnect clutch hydraulic line, shift linkage, and all electrical connectors. Install new crush washer on transmission drain plug and reinstall drain plug to specification. Fill transmission with correct quantity of ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid through fill opening. Reinstall fill plug with new washer to specification.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Fill Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Complete installation
    Reinstall exhaust system components and torque all fasteners to specification. Install transmission protective covers and engine undertray. Reconnect negative battery cable. Lower vehicle and perform initial system checks before test drive.

Reassembly

1. Verify transmission fluid level is correct after refilling
2. Bleed clutch hydraulic system if hydraulic line was disconnected
3. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
4. Check driveshaft bolts are properly torqued and shaft is properly phased

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from bellhousing area
• With engine running and clutch pedal released, verify transmission can be shifted into all gears smoothly
• Test clutch engagement point - should be smooth without chatter or slipping
• Perform test drive including full throttle acceleration to verify clutch holds power without slipping
• Check for transmission fluid leaks at drain plug and pan after test drive
• Verify clutch pedal feel is normal with proper free play and engagement height

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