Steering Box Adjustment

Adjustment procedure for the electric power steering system on the 2017 Maserati Levante to correct steering play, alignment, or assist characteristics through electronic calibration and mechanical inspection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering rack mounting bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end lock nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for SRS system to discharge
4. Center steering wheel and install steering wheel holder to lock in position
5. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands
6. Remove front wheels to access steering components
7. Verify tire pressures are correct before beginning diagnosis

Procedure

1. 1

   Perform Initial Steering System Inspection
   With wheels removed and vehicle raised, inspect steering rack boots for tears or leaks. Check all steering linkage connection points for looseness. Grasp each tie rod near the steering rack and attempt to move by hand to check for internal rack wear. Inspect steering rack mounting bushings and brackets for deterioration or movement.
2. 2

   Check Steering Column U-Joint and Intermediate Shaft
   From inside vehicle, locate steering column intermediate shaft connection to steering rack input shaft. Check U-joint for excessive play by attempting to rotate with hand pressure while observing connection point. Any rotational play indicates worn coupling that must be replaced before adjustment.
3. 3

   Measure Steering Rack End Play
   Install dial indicator against one tie rod end. Have assistant apply gentle back-and-forth pressure to locked steering wheel while observing indicator. Total movement should not exceed 1.0mm. Excessive play indicates internal rack wear that cannot be adjusted and requires rack replacement.
4. 4

   Inspect and Adjust Steering Rack Mounting Points
   Locate the two steering rack mounting brackets on the front subframe. Check mounting bolts for proper torque using torque wrench. If rubber mounting bushings show deterioration, cracking, or compression, replacement is required. Worn bushings create steering play that mimics internal rack wear. Ensure subframe mounting points are not damaged or elongated.
5. 5

   Verify Tie Rod End Condition and Adjustment
   Inspect each tie rod end ball joint for wear by grasping tire mounting surface and checking for vertical play. Check tie rod lock nuts are properly tightened. If steering play is present, verify it originates from rack internals and not loose tie rod ends. Replace any worn tie rod ends before proceeding with calibration.
6. 6

   Connect Diagnostic Tool and Read Fault Codes
   Connect Maserati diagnostic scan tool to OBD-II port. Navigate to Electric Power Steering (EPS) module. Read and document all stored and active fault codes. Common codes related to steering issues include steering angle sensor faults, motor position sensor errors, and torque sensor range issues. Clear codes only after underlying mechanical issues are resolved.
7. 7

   Perform Steering Angle Sensor Zero Point Calibration
   With steering wheel locked in center position and wheels pointing straight ahead, access EPS calibration menu in diagnostic tool. Select 'Steering Angle Sensor Calibration' or 'Zero Point Adjustment'. Follow on-screen prompts to reset steering angle sensor to zero degrees. This corrects steering wheel off-center conditions and ensures proper steering assist calibration.
8. 8

   Adjust EPS Assist Characteristics
   In diagnostic tool EPS menu, access 'Power Steering Assist Settings' or 'Steering Feel Adjustment'. Review current assist curve parameters. If customer complaint involves heavy or light steering feel, adjust assist multiplier within factory-allowed range (typically 90-110% of nominal). Do not exceed manufacturer parameters. Some diagnostic tools may require security access code for this function.
9. 9

   Perform EPS System Relearn Procedure
   After any steering component replacement or calibration, execute the EPS system relearn procedure through diagnostic tool. This typically involves: ignition on/engine off, turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock three times, center steering wheel, cycle ignition off then on. The EPS module will relearn rack travel limits and center position. Verify completion through diagnostic tool status display.
10. 10

    Clear Adaptive Steering Data
    If steering behavior has changed gradually over time, clear adaptive steering memory in EPS module. This resets learned driver input patterns and environmental compensation values. System will relearn normal parameters over approximately 20-30 miles of varied driving. Document this step on repair order so customer understands break-in period.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Remove steering wheel lock and verify wheel returns to center freely
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Lower vehicle to ground
5. Start engine and verify no steering warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth assist with no binding or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels point straight ahead with vehicle on level ground
• Road test vehicle at various speeds and verify appropriate steering effort and returnability
• Check that steering wheel returns to center after turns without driver input
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers in parking lot to verify consistent steering response in both directions
• Reconnect diagnostic tool and verify no active EPS fault codes are present
• Confirm steering angle sensor reads 0 degrees ±5 degrees with wheels straight and centered
• Document final steering angle sensor reading and any assist parameter changes on repair order

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