Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including disconnection from the steering column and lower shaft coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower dash panel clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels to prevent rolling
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle
4. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
5. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 10 minutes after ignition off to allow airbag system to discharge
6. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 15 minutes before proceeding
7. Adjust driver's seat to full rearward position for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Lock steering wheel in position
   Install steering wheel locking tool or secure steering wheel to prevent rotation. This is critical to maintain clockspring alignment. If no locking tool is available, use strong tape to secure wheel to dashboard at 12 o'clock position. Mark the steering wheel position relative to dashboard for reference.
   ⚠️Failure to lock the steering wheel can result in clockspring damage requiring expensive airbag system repairs.
2. 2

   Remove lower dash panel
   Remove the lower driver's side dashboard panel to access the upper steering shaft. Remove cover screws and carefully pull panel away from dash. Disconnect any electrical connectors for footwell lighting if equipped. Set panel aside in safe location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark shaft alignment
   Using white paint marker, make alignment marks across the upper steering shaft and lower intermediate shaft coupling. Mark the shaft-to-column connection at the top as well. These marks are critical for proper reassembly and steering wheel centering. Take a photo for reference.
4. 4

   Access coupling bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower intermediate shaft. This is typically located just below the firewall inside the cabin. Clean any debris from the coupling area. Use work light to clearly see bolt access.
5. 5

   Remove coupling bolt
   Using appropriate socket, remove the coupling bolt connecting upper and lower shafts. Support the lower shaft to prevent it from dropping. Note: This bolt must be replaced with a new one during reassembly as it is a one-time use torque-to-yield fastener. Inspect coupling for wear or damage.
   ⚠The coupling bolt is single-use only. Do not reuse the old bolt.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect upper shaft from steering column
   Remove mounting bolts securing upper steering shaft to the steering column at the top near the steering wheel. There are typically 2-3 bolts. Support the shaft as you remove the final bolt. Carefully note the routing and position of the shaft for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove upper steering shaft
   Carefully slide the upper steering shaft out of the steering column and away from the lower coupling. Work slowly to avoid damaging the column bushings or shaft splines. Inspect the shaft for wear, damage, or excessive play. Check shaft splines for damage or wear. Inspect column bushings for deterioration.
8. 8

   Prepare new upper shaft
   Unpack new upper steering shaft and verify it matches the old shaft in length and spline configuration. Apply a thin film of multi-purpose grease to the splines at both ends of the new shaft. Do not over-grease as excess can attract dirt.
9. 9

   Install new upper shaft
   Carefully insert the new upper steering shaft into the steering column, aligning with the column splines. Ensure shaft is fully seated. Align the shaft with the lower intermediate shaft coupling, referencing your alignment marks. Do not force the shaft.
10. 10

    Secure shaft to steering column
    Install mounting bolts at the upper steering column connection. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque to specification in a cross pattern. Verify shaft moves smoothly without binding.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new coupling bolt
    Align upper and lower shaft coupling using your alignment marks. Install new coupling bolt through the coupling. Ensure splines are properly engaged before tightening. Torque coupling bolt to specification. Verify coupling is secure with no play.
    ⚠Use only a new coupling bolt. Verify alignment marks match before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify steering operation
    With steering wheel still locked, check that there is no play in the shaft connections. Gently attempt to move shaft by hand to confirm all fasteners are tight. Remove steering wheel lock. Verify steering wheel is still centered with wheels straight ahead.
13. 13

    Reinstall lower dash panel
    Reconnect any electrical connections for footwell lighting. Position lower dash panel and secure with cover screws. Torque screws to specification. Ensure panel is properly seated with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to steering or airbag systems. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises. Check that steering wheel returns to center properly.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main steps above
2. Ensure all alignment marks are matched during reassembly
3. Always use a new coupling bolt - never reuse the old one
4. Verify steering wheel is centered before final testing

Verification

• Start engine and verify no airbag or steering warning lights illuminate
• Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary - there should be no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center smoothly when released
• Check that steering wheel is properly centered with front wheels pointing straight ahead
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to confirm normal steering operation
• Verify no play or looseness in steering wheel

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