Strut Mount - Rear

Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including removal of the strut from the vehicle and installation of new mount hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Verify vehicle has conventional coil spring rear suspension, not air suspension.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on chassis.
6. Remove rear wheel completely on side being serviced.
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut mounting hardware and allow to soak while preparing tools.
8. Inspect spring compressor tools to ensure they are in good condition with no cracks or damaged threads.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connected to the strut assembly. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Swing the link away from the strut to provide clearance.
   Torque spec

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

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the rear cargo area and remove the cargo floor cover and side trim panel on the side being serviced. Locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower. These nuts are accessible from inside the vehicle. Do NOT remove these nuts yet.
   ℹ️On some Levante models, you may need to fold down rear seats or remove additional trim for access. Take photos before removing trim for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Remove lower strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the rear knuckle assembly with a jack or jack stand to prevent it from dropping. Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle at the bottom of the strut. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will separate from the strut.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly is heavy and will drop when separated. Ensure it is properly supported before removing bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the interior strut tower access point. While supporting the strut assembly from underneath with one hand or having an assistant hold it, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help or ensure you can safely support the weight as the last nut is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly on a stable work surface. Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), positioning them so they engage multiple coils and are clear of the spring ends. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated against the coils. Alternate tightening each compressor gradually and evenly until spring tension is relieved from the upper mount.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure spring compressors are properly installed per manufacturer instructions. Compress gradually and evenly. Stay clear of the spring path if it releases. Wear face protection.
   ⚠The spring is adequately compressed when you can freely rotate the upper strut mount with your hand. Do not over-compress.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or strut rod holding tool inserted into the top of the shaft. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing plate, and any washers or isolators, noting their order and orientation for reassembly.
   ℹ️Take photos or make notes of the exact order and orientation of all components as they are removed. The bearing must be oriented correctly for proper operation.
7. 7

   Inspect components and install new mount
   Inspect the strut shaft, spring, and bump stop for damage. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: place spring seat or isolator, then bearing (ensure correct orientation with grease fitting or bearing opening facing proper direction), then new strut mount. Ensure all components are properly seated and aligned.
   ⚠The bearing must be oriented correctly. The bearing typically allows rotation of the strut mount relative to the strut shaft. Verify orientation matches original configuration.
8. 8

   Install strut shaft nut
   Install the new strut shaft nut (use new hardware from mount kit if provided). Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key and tighten the nut to manufacturer specification. If torque specification is not provided with replacement mount, tighten securely per mount manufacturer instructions, typically 50-70 Nm.
   ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque is typically provided with the replacement mount kit. Follow those specifications if provided.
9. 9

   Release spring compressors
   Carefully and evenly loosen both spring compressors in small increments, alternating between them. Ensure the spring seats properly into the upper and lower spring perches as tension is released. Once all tension is on the strut assembly and not the compressors, remove the compressor tools completely.
   ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Watch to ensure spring is seating properly in both upper and lower perches. If spring appears misaligned, re-compress and reposition.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well, aligning the upper strut mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. From inside the vehicle, install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Do not fully torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Raise the rear knuckle assembly into position and align with the strut mounting holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure knuckle is fully seated against strut before torquing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Install the link nut, hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From inside the vehicle, torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels and cargo floor covers removed for strut tower access.
2. Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and wheel lug nuts.
3. If replacing only one side, strongly consider replacing the opposite side to maintain balanced suspension performance.
4. Road test vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation before returning to normal driving.

Verification

• Verify no unusual noises from rear suspension when driving over bumps or during turns.
• Check that steering returns to center properly after turns (indicates proper bearing function).
• Inspect all fasteners for proper torque and ensure no hardware was left loose.
• Verify no clunking or knocking noises from the rear suspension, especially over uneven surfaces.
• Have wheel alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as suspension disassembly may have affected alignment settings.
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify all suspension fasteners remain tight.

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