Sway Bar Bushing - Front

Replace the front sway bar bushings on a 2017 Maserati Levante to eliminate suspension noise and restore handling performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Access sway bar and identify bushings
   Locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two bushing brackets securing the sway bar to the subframe, one on each side of center. Each bracket is held by two bolts. Inspect the area for any underbody panels or splash shields that may obstruct access (typically none on Levante for this job).
2. 2

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 15mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver side sway bar bracket to the subframe. The bracket will remain captured on the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bracket and bushing split line for reassembly. Remove the bracket and old bushing from the sway bar.
3. 3

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side sway bar bracket. Remove both bolts with a 15mm socket, then remove the bracket and old bushing. The sway bar may shift slightly once both brackets are removed but will remain connected via the end links.
4. 4

   Clean sway bar mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush and shop towels to thoroughly clean the sway bar surface where the bushings mount. Remove all old rubber residue, dirt, and corrosion. Clean the bushing bracket mounting surfaces on the subframe. Inspect the sway bar for cracks, excessive wear, or damage.
5. 5

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar in the correct location, ensuring the split in the bushing faces downward or as indicated by the bushing design. Place the bracket over the bushing and align with the subframe mounting holes. Do not apply grease to bushings unless specifically required by manufacturer (most polyurethane bushings require it, OEM rubber bushings typically do not).
6. 6

   Install driver side bracket bolts
   Thread both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to prevent binding or misalignment of the bracket. Using a torque wrench, torque both bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new passenger side bushing and bracket
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar on the passenger side with the split facing downward. Install the bracket over the bushing and align with the subframe mounting holes. Thread both bracket bolts by hand first, then tighten evenly in a cross pattern.
8. 8

   Torque passenger side bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench, torque both passenger side bracket bolts to specification. Ensure the bushing is properly seated in the bracket and not pinched or twisted.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify sway bar movement
   Manually move the sway bar up and down slightly to ensure it rotates freely within the new bushings without binding. There should be no excessive play or looseness, but the bar should pivot smoothly within the bushings.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground with slight weight on them.
11. 11

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle lowered and wheels supporting weight, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque verification on all lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in the work area
3. Check that sway bar bushings are properly seated and not twisted

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed over bumps to verify elimination of clunking or knocking noises
• Confirm no rattling sounds from front suspension during normal driving
• Perform visual inspection after test drive to ensure brackets remain tight
• Verify proper steering feel and vehicle stability during cornering

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