Strut Mount - Front

Replace the front strut mount (upper bearing plate assembly) on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, which involves removing the front strut assembly and replacing the top mount bearing plate.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount bearing assembly × 2 — Use OEM Maserati specification
• Strut mount bearing (upper) × 2 — Included with mount assembly
• Upper spring isolator pad × 2 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Strut dust boot (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift points
4. Support vehicle with jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points under chassis rails
5. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray penetrating lubricant on strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and ball joint nuts (allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate)
7. Photograph or mark strut-to-knuckle bolt orientation for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end to hold it stationary. Using a 15mm wrench, remove the upper sway bar link nut connecting to the strut. The link will remain attached to the sway bar. Support the link with wire to prevent strain on the bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove ABS sensor and brake line brackets
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire attached to the strut or knuckle. Remove any mounting clips or brackets securing the wire to the strut housing (typically 10mm bolts). Similarly, identify and remove any brake line brackets attached to the strut. Carefully position wires and lines away from the work area without stretching or kinking them.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   The strut is secured to the steering knuckle with two large pinch bolts (typically 18mm heads). These bolts pass through the knuckle and clamp onto the strut shaft. Remove both bolts completely. Note: The knuckle has a pinch slot; you may need to use a pry bar or strut separator tool to spread the knuckle slightly after bolt removal. Do NOT force or hammer excessively as the knuckle can crack.
   ⚠The knuckle pinch joint may be corroded to the strut. Apply penetrating lubricant and use controlled force with a separator tool. Excessive hammering can crack the aluminum knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower on the inner fender well. Remove the plastic strut tower cover if equipped (typically clips or small fasteners). You will see three mounting nuts (typically 16mm) securing the strut from above. Do NOT remove these nuts yet—simply access and identify them for the next step.
5. 5

   Support and remove strut assembly
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm to support the weight of the knuckle and hub assembly. With the strut-to-knuckle bolts already removed, spread the knuckle pinch slot slightly if needed and pull the knuckle assembly away from the strut shaft. While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the three 16mm nuts from the strut tower. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle. The spring is still under compression—handle carefully.
   ⚠️The strut assembly still contains a compressed spring. Handle with extreme care and keep hands and body clear of the spring path. Do not attempt to disassemble without proper spring compressors.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a strut vice or secure holding fixture. Install automotive-grade spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged on the spring coils and not slipping. Gradually and evenly tighten the compressors in alternating pattern (a few turns on one side, then the other) until the spring tension is relieved from the upper mount. You should be able to see a gap between the spring and the upper mount plate when properly compressed.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Ensure spring compressors are rated for this application and properly engaged. Compress gradually and evenly. Never place your face or body in line with the spring during compression. An improperly compressed spring can violently release.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   With the spring fully compressed and tension relieved, hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key or appropriate tool inserted into the top center of the shaft. Using a 19mm socket, remove the large strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the nut, upper washer, and then carefully lift off the old strut mount bearing assembly. Note the orientation and order of all components including any washers, dust covers, and the upper spring isolator pad.
8. 8

   Inspect components and install new strut mount
   Inspect the strut shaft threads for damage. Examine the spring for cracks or damage. Check the dust boot for tears. Clean the strut shaft top threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: place the upper spring isolator pad (new or inspected old) onto the spring, position the new strut mount bearing assembly with correct orientation (match the alignment marks or stud positions to the old mount), install upper washer, and thread on a NEW strut shaft nut (Maserati typically requires new nuts). Hold the shaft with Allen key and torque the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) initially—this will be verified after spring decompression.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove spring compressors
   Carefully and gradually loosen the spring compressors in alternating pattern. The spring will expand and seat against the new upper mount and lower spring seat. Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in their locating features on both upper and lower seats. Once spring tension is fully transferred to the assembly, completely remove the spring compressors. Verify the shaft nut remains tight to specification.
   ⚠Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Verify the spring seats properly in the upper and lower isolators. Misaligned springs can cause noise and premature wear.
10. 10

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the reassembled strut assembly into position in the strut tower. Align the three mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts and hand-tighten. Raise the lower control arm with the floor jack to align the knuckle with the strut shaft. Guide the strut shaft into the knuckle pinch slot, ensuring proper alignment with the previously noted orientation marks.
11. 11

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    With the strut shaft fully inserted into the knuckle pinch slot, install both strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bolts to 128 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping of the pinch joint.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From under the hood, use a torque wrench to tighten the three strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the mount. Reinstall the strut tower plastic cover if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link and accessories
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Insert an Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation, then install and torque the sway bar link nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Reinstall all ABS sensor wire brackets and brake line brackets that were removed earlier, ensuring proper routing without pinching or stretching.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel onto the hub, starting all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Using a torque wrench in a star pattern, torque all wheel lug nuts to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    If replacing both front strut mounts (recommended for even wear), repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side. Both sides should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced handling characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Always replace strut mounts in pairs (both left and right sides) to maintain vehicle balance and handling
2. Ensure all torque specifications are met exactly—critical suspension components require precise torque values
3. Verify that all ABS sensor wires and brake lines are properly routed and secured away from rotating or moving components
4. Check that the spring is properly seated in both upper and lower isolator pads after decompression

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each front corner several times—there should be no clunking, popping, or grinding noises from the strut mount area
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary—the strut mount bearing should allow smooth rotation without binding or noise
• Visually inspect under the hood that strut tower nuts are secure and the mount is properly seated
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area—verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues
• MANDATORY: Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately. New strut mounts can alter suspension geometry. Do not operate vehicle at highway speeds until alignment is completed and verified
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all wheel lug nuts and verify all suspension fasteners remain tight

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