Steering Shaft - Intermediate

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the intermediate steering shaft, which connects the steering column to the steering rack on the 2017 Maserati Levante.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt (upper) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt (lower) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Center the steering wheel and verify front wheels are pointing straight ahead
4. Install a steering wheel lock or insert locking pin through steering column to prevent rotation during repair
5. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove engine belly pan or underbody panels as necessary for access to steering shaft area

Procedure

1. 1

   Access intermediate steering shaft area
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft between the firewall and the steering rack. Remove any heat shields or protective covers that may obstruct access to the shaft couplings. Clean the coupling areas with wire brush and penetrating oil if corrosion is present.
2. 2

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Using white paint marker or masking tape, create alignment marks across both the upper coupling (steering column side) and lower coupling (steering rack side). Mark the shaft itself and both connecting components. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering alignment during reassembly.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marks are essential. Improper reassembly alignment will cause steering wheel misalignment and potential handling issues.
3. 3

   Remove upper coupling bolt
   Locate the upper coupling bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. Hold the coupling steady and remove the coupling bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation and any washers or spacers present. Discard the bolt as it is a single-use fastener.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering column or steering rack to rotate once the coupling is disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Working at the steering rack end of the intermediate shaft, remove the lower coupling bolt connecting the shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Use a socket and extension as needed for access. Note any shims or alignment features. Discard the bolt as it must be replaced.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate and remove intermediate shaft
   With both coupling bolts removed, carefully separate the intermediate shaft from both the steering column and the steering rack. Some gentle prying or rotation may be necessary to break any corrosion bond. Slide the shaft out of the couplings, being careful not to damage the splines on either the column or rack input shaft. If the shaft has a collapsible section, do not extend or compress it during removal.
6. 6

   Inspect connection points
   With the intermediate shaft removed, inspect the splines on both the steering column shaft and the steering rack input shaft for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check for any play or looseness in the column or rack bearings. Clean all spline surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect the removed intermediate shaft for any signs of wear, binding, or damage to the universal joints or collapsible section.
   ℹ️Any excessive wear or damage to splines may indicate additional components need replacement. Consult a Maserati technician if significant wear is found.
7. 7

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft and align the lower end with the steering rack input shaft using your previously made alignment marks. Carefully slide the shaft onto the rack input shaft splines, ensuring proper engagement. Do not force the shaft; it should slide on smoothly when properly aligned.
   ⚠Verify the steering wheel lock is still engaged and the rack has not rotated before connecting the shaft.
8. 8

   Connect upper coupling
   Align the upper end of the intermediate shaft with the steering column shaft using your alignment marks. Slide the coupling together ensuring full spline engagement. Verify the alignment marks on all components match before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install and torque coupling bolts
   Install the new lower coupling bolt through the coupling at the steering rack. Hand-thread the bolt to ensure proper engagement. Install the new upper coupling bolt at the steering column connection. Using a torque wrench, tighten both coupling bolts to specification. Torque the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt.
   ⚠Use only new coupling bolts. Reusing old bolts can result in bolt failure and loss of steering control.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify shaft operation
    Before reinstalling any covers or panels, verify the intermediate shaft operates smoothly without binding. With the steering wheel lock still engaged, attempt to rotate the shaft slightly at each coupling point to confirm secure connection. Check that both universal joints on the shaft move freely without restriction or excessive play.
11. 11

    Reinstall protective covers
    Reinstall any heat shields, protective covers, or panels that were removed for access. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured and no components interfere with steering shaft movement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine belly pan or underbody panels
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove steering wheel lock
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Start vehicle and verify electric power steering system initializes without fault codes
5. If steering wheel alignment warning appears on instrument cluster, steering angle sensor calibration may be required using dealer-level diagnostic equipment

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine running, turn steering wheel lock to lock slowly and verify smooth operation without binding, clicking, or clunking noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position when released during low-speed turns
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointing straight ahead (tolerance of 5 degrees or less)
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds and verify responsive steering feel with no vibration, wandering, or abnormal feedback through the steering wheel
• Check for any new diagnostic trouble codes related to steering angle sensor or power steering system

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle