Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

Replace the rear sway bar bushings on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD to restore proper anti-roll performance and eliminate clunking noises from worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set (2 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 4800 lbs)
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Apply penetrating oil to sway bar bracket bolts if visible corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Identify the two bushing brackets that attach the sway bar to the subframe or chassis. These are typically positioned near the center of the vehicle on either side of the differential.
2. 2

   Support sway bar
   Position a floor jack or jack stand under the center of the rear sway bar to provide slight upward support. This will reduce tension on the brackets and make removal easier. Apply only enough pressure to lightly contact the bar, not to lift the suspension.
3. 3

   Remove first sway bar bracket
   Remove the two bolts securing the first sway bar bracket to the subframe. The bracket is a two-piece clamp design that holds the bushing around the bar. Carefully remove the bracket and note the orientation of the bushing split (typically faces rearward or downward).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove first worn bushing
   Slide the old bushing off the sway bar. If the bushing is deteriorated or stuck, use a utility knife to carefully cut it away from the bar. Clean the sway bar surface thoroughly with a wire brush, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or corrosion. The bar surface must be clean for proper bushing installation.
5. 5

   Remove second sway bar bracket and bushing
   Repeat the removal process for the second bracket and bushing on the opposite side. Remove the bracket bolts, extract the bracket, and remove the old bushing. Clean the bar surface thoroughly in this location as well.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect sway bar and brackets
   Inspect the sway bar for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Check bracket condition for cracks or elongated bolt holes. Examine bracket bolts for thread damage or excessive corrosion. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install first new bushing
   Apply a light coating of silicone grease or the lubricant provided with the bushings to the inside diameter of the new bushing and the cleaned sway bar surface. Position the new bushing on the bar in the first location, ensuring the split in the bushing faces the correct direction (typically rearward or downward to prevent debris accumulation).
8. 8

   Install first bracket
   Place the bracket halves around the bushing and align the bracket mounting holes with the subframe. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bracket bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

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

   Install second new bushing and bracket
   Install the second new bushing on the bar with proper orientation and lubrication. Install the second bracket, start both bolts by hand, and torque evenly to specification. Ensure both bushings are properly seated in their brackets with no pinching or misalignment.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove sway bar support and inspect
    Remove the jack or support from under the sway bar center. Visually inspect both installed bushings to confirm they are properly seated and the brackets are secure. Check that the sway bar moves freely through the bushings without binding.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bracket bolts are torqued to specification after installation
2. Verify sway bar moves freely without binding in the new bushings
3. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over small bumps to verify no clunking noises are present
• Perform several steering inputs while driving to confirm proper sway bar operation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check bracket bolt torque to ensure no loosening has occurred
• Visually inspect bushings after first drive to confirm they remain properly seated in brackets

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