Sway Bar - Front

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including disconnecting sway bar links and removing mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (set) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — M10 x 1.5 replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
4. Remove front wheels and set aside
5. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if visible corrosion present. Allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect left sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end of the link to prevent rotation. Using a socket wrench, remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Remove the link from the sway bar mounting stud.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect right sway bar link
   Repeat the process on the passenger side. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end of the link to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Remove the link from the sway bar mounting stud. Both links should now be disconnected from the sway bar but remain attached to the control arms.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove left sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side of the subframe. Remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the subframe using a socket wrench. Remove the bracket and inspect the bushing for wear, tears, or deterioration. Set aside the bracket.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove right sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the passenger side of the subframe. Remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and inspect the bushing. Keep brackets and hardware organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully lower the sway bar from the subframe. Maneuver the bar through the suspension components and remove it from the vehicle. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear steering components and control arms. Note the orientation of the bar for proper reinstallation.
   ⚠Sway bar is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs) and awkward to handle. Use caution when maneuvering through tight spaces.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare new sway bar
   Compare the old sway bar to the new replacement to verify correct part. Inspect all mounting points on the subframe and control arms for damage or excessive wear. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Install new bushings onto the new sway bar, positioning them at the marked locations corresponding to the bracket mounting points. Apply a light coating of rubber-safe grease to the inside of the bushings if recommended by manufacturer.
   ℹ️Ensure bushings are oriented with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle for proper installation.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar into the vehicle, routing it through the suspension components in the reverse order of removal. Ensure the bar is centered and the link mounting points are positioned correctly to align with the control arm links. Verify the bushings are in the correct location for bracket installation.
   ℹ️The sway bar end links should point downward toward the control arms when properly positioned.
8. 8

   Install sway bar brackets
   Position the left bracket over the bushing and align with the subframe mounting holes. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Repeat for the right bracket. Do not fully tighten at this time. Ensure bushings are properly seated in the brackets and not pinched or twisted.
   Torque spec

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

   Torque sway bar brackets
   Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the sway bar bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern (left front, right rear, right front, left rear). Verify brackets are flush against the subframe and bushings are not distorted.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect sway bar links
    Position the sway bar link studs through the mounting holes on both ends of the sway bar. Install the upper nuts onto the link studs. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end of each link to prevent rotation while tightening the nuts with a socket wrench. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels onto the hubs and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued to specification
2. Perform a final visual inspection of all connections and ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well
3. Check that sway bar links move freely without binding through full suspension travel

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no interference or binding
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify proper operation and no unusual noises
• Listen for any clunking or rattling sounds from the front suspension that would indicate loose components
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all sway bar bracket bolts and link nuts for proper torque retention
• Schedule a professional alignment check if vehicle pulls to one side or steering feels abnormal

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