Sway Bar - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including disconnecting links and removing mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Reuse if undamaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at proper lift points
4. Remove both rear wheels
5. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if corrosion is present
6. Inspect sway bar links, bushings, and mounting brackets for wear or damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted from the top to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut securing the link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and remove the lower nut with an 18mm wrench. The sway bar should now be free from both links but still mounted to the subframe via the bushings and brackets.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the sway bar
   Position a floor jack or have an assistant support the center of the sway bar to prevent it from falling when the brackets are removed. The bar has weight and will drop once the mounting brackets are loosened.
   ⚠Sway bar will drop when brackets are removed. Ensure proper support to prevent injury or damage.
4. 4

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar bracket and bushing assembly on the driver side of the subframe. Using a 16mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the bushing split for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Remove the passenger side bracket using a 16mm socket on the two mounting bolts. With both brackets removed, carefully lower the sway bar from the vehicle. Inspect the removed bushings for wear, cracking, or compression damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from under the vehicle. Pay attention to how the bar is routed around exhaust components and suspension parts. Take note of any heat shields or other components that may need to be navigated. Remove the bushings from the bar if they are not already separated.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph the bar orientation before removal to ensure correct installation of the replacement bar.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar
   Clean the new sway bar mounting areas with a wire brush. Install the new bushings onto the bar, ensuring the split in the bushing faces the correct direction (typically toward the rear of the vehicle). Apply a light coat of rubber-safe lubricant to the inside of the bushings if specified by manufacturer.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as they will cause deterioration. Use only approved rubber lubricant or soapy water.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position under the vehicle, routing it in the same path as the original. Ensure the bar is centered with equal lengths extending to each side. Position the bushings in their correct locations on the subframe mounting points.
9. 9

   Install sway bar brackets
   Position the sway bar brackets over the bushings on both sides. Start all four bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten yet. Verify the bar is properly centered and the bushings are correctly seated before proceeding.
   Torque spec

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

    Torque sway bar bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 16mm socket, torque all four sway bar bracket bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Start with one bolt on each side, then torque the remaining bolts. Verify bushings remain properly seated during tightening.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect sway bar links
    Position the sway bar links between the sway bar ends and the lower control arms. Install the lower nuts onto the link studs. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted from the top to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm wrench and torque wrench, tighten the nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) on both sides.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After lowering vehicle, perform a final torque check on all fasteners
2. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension
3. Verify no unusual noises or binding in the sway bar system
4. Check that all heat shields and underbody panels are clear of the sway bar

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify proper handling without clunking or rattling noises
• Perform several turns in both directions to verify sway bar operation
• Listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension during cornering
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on sway bar bracket bolts and link nuts
• Visually inspect for any signs of contact between the sway bar and surrounding components

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