Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including disconnection of electrical components, intermediate shaft coupling, and column mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clockspring assembly (if equipped with paddle shifters) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are pointing straight ahead
3. Turn ignition completely OFF and remove key fob from vehicle interior
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Disconnect positive battery terminal and secure both cables away from terminals
6. Remove driver's side lower dash trim panels and knee bolster to access column mounting area
7. Remove steering wheel using proper puller tool - mark steering wheel and shaft alignment before removal
8. Lock intermediate shaft in position using locking pin or tape to prevent rotation
9. Photograph all electrical connector positions and routing for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect all steering column electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors at the steering column assembly. This includes: airbag clockspring connector (yellow), ignition switch connector, column lock connector, steering angle sensor connector, paddle shifter connectors (if equipped), and any multifunction switch connectors. Release all connector locking tabs fully before pulling. Apply electrical contact cleaner to any corroded pins. Label each connector with tape if not using factory service position.
2. 2

   Remove multifunction switch assemblies
   Remove the turn signal/wiper stalk assembly from the left side of the column and the transmission shifter paddles or cruise control stalk from the right side. These typically use Torx fasteners (T20-T25). Support each switch as you remove final fastener to prevent dropping. Keep all fasteners organized by location.
3. 3

   Remove ignition switch module
   Remove the ignition switch/column lock module from the steering column housing. This requires removing 2-3 security bolts. Note the exact position and orientation of the ignition switch before removal - it must be reinstalled in the same position. Remove bolts carefully as they may have thread locker applied.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft coupling
   Working in the footwell area, locate the intermediate shaft coupling where the steering column connects to the steering gear input shaft. Use a paint pen or marker to create alignment marks across both sides of the coupling joint. Remove the pinch bolt completely. Do NOT allow either shaft to rotate after disconnection. If necessary, secure steering column shaft with locking pin and mark steering gear shaft position on firewall.
   ⚠️Once disconnected, absolutely prevent any rotation of either the column shaft or the gear input shaft. Rotation will destroy the clockspring alignment and steering angle sensor calibration.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support steering column assembly
   Position a suitable support (padded jack stand or assistant) under the steering column to prevent it from falling when mounting bolts are removed. The column assembly weighs approximately 15-20 lbs and contains sensitive electronics that can be damaged if dropped.
6. 6

   Remove upper steering column mounting bolts
   Locate the upper steering column mounting bracket at the top of the column near the instrument panel. Remove the upper mounting bolts that secure the column to the dash support structure. These are typically two bolts accessible from above the column. Note exact position of any shims or spacers present.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove lower steering column mounting bolts
   Remove the lower steering column mounting bolts that secure the column to the lower dash support bracket. These typically consist of two bolts accessible from below the column. Keep support in place as these final bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Extract steering column assembly
   Carefully guide the steering column assembly out of the vehicle through the dash opening. Maneuver carefully to avoid snagging wiring harnesses or damaging the column shaft. The column must be withdrawn rearward toward the driver's seat while tilting slightly to clear the dash structure. Place column on clean, padded work surface with shaft pointing upward to prevent damage.
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare new steering column
   If installing a new column, verify it matches the removed unit exactly including all electrical connectors, shaft length, and mounting bracket positions. Transfer any components as needed (ignition switch, multifunction switches, trim covers). Verify the new column's clockspring is centered - look for centering marks or window. Do NOT rotate the clockspring from its shipping position. Apply medium-strength thread locker to all mounting bolt threads per specification.
10. 10

    Install steering column assembly
    Carefully guide the new or refurbished steering column into position through the dash opening. Align the column shaft with the intermediate shaft coupling, ensuring alignment marks are properly positioned. Insert the column mounting bolts hand-tight in all four locations (two upper, two lower) before torquing any fasteners. Verify column is properly seated against all mounting points.
11. 11

    Torque steering column mounting bolts
    Torque all four steering column mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (upper left, lower right, upper right, lower left). Verify column does not shift during torquing. Double-check that any alignment shims or spacers are correctly positioned.
    ⚠Follow cross-pattern sequence strictly. Uneven torquing can misalign the column and cause binding or incorrect steering angle sensor readings.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Align the intermediate shaft coupling using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Verify the coupling is fully seated on both shafts. Install new pinch bolt with medium thread locker and torque to specification. Verify no rotation occurred during installation by checking alignment marks.
    ⚠️The intermediate shaft coupling MUST be aligned exactly per alignment marks. Misalignment will cause steering binding, premature wear, or steering failure.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install ignition switch and multifunction switches
    Install the ignition switch module in the exact position and orientation noted during removal. Torque ignition switch bolts to specification. Install multifunction switches (turn signal/wiper stalk and paddle shifters or cruise stalk) and secure with appropriate fasteners. Verify switches operate through full range of motion without binding.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column in reverse order of removal. Ensure each connector locks fully with an audible click. Pay special attention to the yellow airbag clockspring connector - it must be fully seated. Verify no wires are pinched or under tension. Route all harnesses in their original paths and secure with cable ties if needed.
15. 15

    Install steering wheel and perform system initialization
    Install steering wheel aligned with alignment marks made during removal. Reconnect battery terminals (positive first, then negative). Using a Maserati-compatible diagnostic tool, perform steering angle sensor calibration and initialize all steering column systems. Clear any fault codes. Verify all steering column functions operate correctly including turn signals, wipers, paddles, and column lock. Test airbag system communication.
    ⚠️Steering angle sensor calibration is MANDATORY after steering column replacement. Driving without calibration will cause electronic stability control malfunctions and unsafe vehicle behavior.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall knee bolster and lower dash trim panels, ensuring no wires are pinched
2. Verify all trim panels are properly seated and secured with all clips engaged
3. Test all steering column functions before road test: turn signals, wipers, horn, paddles, cruise control, column lock
4. Perform initial function test with wheels off ground: turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly to verify no binding
5. Check for proper steering returnability - wheel should self-center smoothly

Verification

• Confirm steering angle sensor calibration was completed successfully using diagnostic tool - no fault codes present
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight with wheels pointed straight ahead
• Perform test drive on safe road: verify steering response is normal with no binding, noise, or unusual resistance
• Test all multifunction switch operations: turn signals (with auto-cancel), wipers (all speeds), paddles (if equipped), horn, cruise control
• Verify electronic stability control and lane keeping systems function normally without warning lights
• Confirm airbag warning light extinguishes after starting engine (system self-test passes)
• Check for any unusual noises from column during lock-to-lock steering at idle
• Verify column tilt and telescoping functions operate smoothly if so equipped
• Inspect all mounting points for proper torque - attempt slight movement of column to confirm secure installation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all column mounting bolt torque values

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