Steering Damper

Replacement of the steering damper (shock absorber) that reduces steering wheel vibration and improves road feel on the 2017 Maserati Levante.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle using lift or floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Ensure steering wheel is centered and locked in straight-ahead position
5. Visually inspect current steering damper for leaks, physical damage, or loose mounting points

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering damper
   Locate the steering damper mounted between the steering linkage and chassis frame. It is positioned horizontally beneath the engine bay, typically on the driver's side of the steering rack assembly. Clear any undertrays or protective covers if present to gain full access.
2. 2

   Clean mounting hardware
   Apply penetrating oil to both mounting bolts (chassis side and steering linkage side) and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Use wire brush to remove any surface corrosion or debris from bolt heads and mounting points. This prevents bolt breakage during removal.
3. 3

   Remove chassis-side mounting bolt
   Using appropriate socket or wrench, loosen and remove the bolt securing the steering damper to the chassis bracket. Support the damper body with one hand to prevent it from dropping. Inspect bolt and bushing for wear or damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove linkage-side mounting bolt
   Remove the bolt securing the opposite end of the steering damper to the steering linkage or intermediate shaft bracket. Carefully extract the damper from the vehicle, noting the orientation and position of any washers or spacers for proper reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not operate steering wheel with damper removed, as this may cause unexpected steering response.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points
   With damper removed, thoroughly inspect both mounting brackets on chassis and steering linkage for cracks, elongated holes, or excessive wear. Check rubber bushings in mounting points for deterioration. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush. Replace any damaged hardware before installation.
6. 6

   Prepare new steering damper
   Remove new steering damper from packaging and inspect for shipping damage. Verify mounting bushing orientation matches original damper. Extend and compress damper shaft several times by hand to ensure smooth operation and proper gas charge. Compare new damper length and mounting points to old unit.
7. 7

   Install new damper to chassis bracket
   Position new steering damper with chassis-side mounting eye aligned with bracket. Ensure any washers or spacers are properly positioned. Insert mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this stage to allow for alignment of second mounting point.
8. 8

   Install linkage-side mounting
   Align the opposite end of the steering damper with the steering linkage mounting bracket. You may need to gently compress or extend the damper to align mounting holes. Insert mounting bolt with proper washers/spacers and hand-tighten. Verify damper moves freely through full range of motion without binding.
9. 9

   Torque mounting bolts to specification
   Using calibrated torque wrench, tighten both mounting bolts to specification in sequence: first the chassis-side bolt, then the linkage-side bolt. Ensure damper remains properly aligned and bushings are not twisted during final torquing. Double-check both fasteners have been properly torqued.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify installation
    Visually confirm both mounting bolts are properly seated and torqued. Manually cycle the steering damper through its travel range to ensure smooth operation without binding or interference. Check that damper does not contact any brake lines, wiring harnesses, or chassis components throughout full steering range.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any undertrays or protective covers removed during access
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully, ensuring all tools and parts have been removed from underneath
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and verify electric power steering system operates normally without warning lights
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to confirm no binding or unusual resistance
• Perform test drive at various speeds, noting reduced steering wheel vibration and improved road feel
• Listen for any knocking or clunking sounds from steering damper area during steering inputs
• Re-inspect mounting bolts after 50-100 miles of driving to confirm proper torque retention
• Verify no fluid leaks from damper body (though this is a sealed unit, check for manufacturing defects)

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