Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links (stabilizer links) on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Inspect sway bar links for wear, torn boots, or excessive play to confirm replacement needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Apply penetrating oil to fasteners
   Spray penetrating oil on both the upper and lower sway bar link mounting nuts. Allow to soak for 5-10 minutes to ease removal, especially if links show signs of corrosion. This is particularly important on the lower connection to the sway bar.
2. 2

   Access rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. The link will be visible behind the wheel well. Note the orientation and position of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Using an Allen key inserted into the top of the link shaft to prevent rotation, use a 17mm wrench or socket to remove the upper nut that attaches the link to the sway bar. Hold the Allen key firmly to keep the stud from spinning. Remove the nut, washer, and bushing, noting their order.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Similarly, hold the lower link shaft with an Allen key and remove the lower mounting nut with a 17mm wrench or socket. This connects the link to the lower control arm or knuckle mounting point. Remove the nut, washer, and bushing.
5. 5

   Remove old sway bar link
   Once both nuts are removed, extract the sway bar link from the mounting points. You may need to gently pry or wiggle the link to free it from the bushings. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the sway bar and control arm mounting points. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker compound. Ensure mounting surfaces are clean and free of damage.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and control arm mounting points. Ensure any bushings or washers are correctly oriented as noted during disassembly. The link should move freely on both ball joints without binding.
8. 8

   Install and torque upper link nut
   Install the upper bushing, washer, and nut onto the sway bar connection. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and torque lower link nut
   Install the lower bushing, washer, and nut onto the control arm or knuckle connection. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the lower nut to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-9 for the opposite rear sway bar link. It is critical to replace both links together to maintain balanced suspension characteristics and handling.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the rear wheels back onto the hubs. Install lug nuts hand-tight in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension.
12. 12

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle lowered and wheels contacting the ground, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with Allen key used to prevent shaft rotation
2. Verify sway bar links move freely without binding at ball joints
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in proper star pattern

Verification

• Rock vehicle side-to-side while stationary to check for any clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over small bumps to verify links are functioning properly
• Listen for any knocking sounds during cornering that would indicate loose or improperly installed links
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle after test drive to confirm no fasteners have loosened
• Check that sway bar links have appropriate free play without excessive movement

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