Tie Rod Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including proper torque specifications and preparation for alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod end assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nut, lock nut threads, and steering knuckle taper. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for approximate alignment
   Before disassembly, measure and record the distance from the center of the tie rod end ball stud to the inner tie rod boot edge. Use a grease pencil to mark the threaded position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Count and record the number of exposed threads past the lock nut. This will allow approximate reassembly to minimize alignment changes.
2. 2

   Remove tie rod end cotter pin
   Locate the cotter pin securing the tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Use needle nose pliers to straighten the cotter pin ends and extract it completely. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod end castle nut
   Using the appropriate socket, loosen the tie rod end castle nut but do not remove it completely yet. Leave the nut threaded on 2-3 turns to protect the threads and catch the tie rod when it releases from the taper.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position the tie rod separator tool or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and tie rod end. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle. Be prepared for sudden release of tension.
   ⚠Tool may slip or component may suddenly release. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
5. 5

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using an adjustable wrench or appropriate size wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. This nut is located where the outer tie rod threads onto the inner tie rod assembly. Do not remove completely yet.
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   While holding the inner tie rod stationary with one wrench, unthread the outer tie rod end by rotating it counterclockwise. Count the number of complete turns required to remove it, which will help with installation of the new part. Remove the lock nut from the old tie rod end.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the inner tie rod. Inspect for damage, corrosion, or cross-threading. Check the steering boot for tears or damage. If the boot is damaged, it should be replaced to prevent contamination of the steering rack.
8. 8

   Install new tie rod end
   Thread the lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end first, then thread the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod by hand. Thread it in the same number of turns that were counted during removal, or align with the grease pencil mark made earlier. Ensure the tie rod end threads smoothly without binding.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
   Clean the taper seat in the steering knuckle with a wire brush. Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten it to specification. The castle nut slots must align with the ball stud hole for cotter pin installation.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud. If the cotter pin hole does not align with a castle nut slot, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until the next slot aligns. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure it properly - one end bent over the top of the nut, the other wrapped around the stud.
11. 11

    Verify tie rod measurement
    Re-measure the distance from the tie rod end ball stud center to the inner tie rod boot edge to confirm it matches the original measurement recorded in Step 1. Adjust if necessary by threading the tie rod end in or out slightly. This provides a baseline for the alignment shop.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (weight not fully on tire). Torque the wheel 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. Do NOT torque the tie rod lock nut at this time - it must be torqued after alignment
2. After professional four-wheel alignment is completed, torque the tie rod lock nut to 71 Nm (53 lb-ft) as specified
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering operation before returning to normal service

Verification

• Confirm tie rod end ball stud moves freely in socket without binding (check before final torque)
• Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured through castle nut
• Check that steering turns smoothly lock-to-lock with no binding or unusual noises
• Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - do not drive extended distances before alignment
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut has been torqued to 71 Nm (53 lb-ft)
• Test drive and verify straight-line tracking and proper steering return to center

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