Tie Rods - Both Sides

Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, requiring vehicle lift, steering component removal, and mandatory four-wheel alignment after installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (castle nut type) × 4 — M14 x 1.5 compatible
• Steering rack boots (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure steering wheel is centered and straight
2. Install steering wheel lock or have assistant hold wheel in center position throughout procedure
3. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands at all four corners, ensuring stability
4. Remove front wheels using proper lifting points per owner's manual
5. Spray all tie rod threads, lock nuts, and castle nuts with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes soak time
6. Mark the current tie rod adjustment position: measure and record distance from inner tie rod lock nut to outer tie rod end center on both sides for initial setup reference
7. Take photos of steering components from multiple angles for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end - driver side
   Remove and discard the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut using needle nose pliers. Using a 22mm socket, loosen but do not remove the tie rod end castle nut (leave it threaded on a few turns to protect threads). Install tie rod end puller or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and tie rod end ball joint. Strike the puller sharply or tighten separator tool until the taper releases with a popping sound. Remove the castle nut completely and pull the outer tie rod end from the knuckle.
2. 2

   Separate outer tie rod from inner tie rod - driver side
   Use a 19mm wrench to loosen the tie rod lock nut at the junction between inner and outer tie rod. Count and record the exact number of exposed threads or turns as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by hand. Mark the final position with paint pen for reference. Once measurement is recorded, completely unscrew and remove the outer tie rod end and set aside the lock nut.
3. 3

   Remove inner tie rod end - driver side
   Fold back or remove the steering rack boot clamp carefully to expose the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. The inner tie rod typically uses either a flare nut connection or is crimped/staked to the rack. If flare nut type, use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding. If staked type, carefully use a chisel to remove the staking material. Unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack end completely. Inspect the steering rack boot for tears or damage - replace if compromised.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end - passenger side
   Repeat the outer tie rod removal process for the passenger side. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the castle nut. Loosen the castle nut with a 22mm socket but leave threaded on for protection. Use tie rod end puller or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut and extract the tie rod end from the knuckle.
5. 5

   Separate outer tie rod from inner tie rod - passenger side
   Loosen the tie rod lock nut with a 19mm wrench. Count and record the exact number of turns or measure exposed threads as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Mark the position and completely remove the outer tie rod end. Set aside the lock nut.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod end - passenger side
   Access the inner tie rod by folding back the steering rack boot. Remove any staking or crimping material if present. Unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack end completely using appropriate wrench or flare nut wrench. Inspect the rack boot and replace if damaged.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect steering rack threads
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the threads on both steering rack ends where the inner tie rods attach. Inspect threads for damage, cross-threading, or excessive wear. If threads show damage, use a thread cleaning tap (M14 x 1.5 or as specified for your vehicle) to chase and clean the threads. Inspect the steering rack boots and ensure they are properly seated and undamaged. Clean the steering knuckle ball joint taper holes on both sides with wire brush and inspect for damage or elongation.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod ends
   Thread the new inner tie rod ends onto the steering rack by hand, ensuring they thread smoothly without cross-threading. Apply a small amount of clean thread locker (medium strength) to the threads if specified by manufacturer. Torque the inner tie rod ends to the specifications provided by the inner tie rod manufacturer or service manual. Ensure proper seating against the rack. Reinstall and secure the steering rack boots with new clamps, ensuring the boots are not twisted and are properly seated in their grooves.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod ends with preliminary adjustment - driver side
   Thread the tie rod lock nut onto the new outer tie rod end first (it should slide down toward the threads). Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod by hand using the turn count or measurement recorded during disassembly to achieve approximately the same length. This provides a baseline for alignment. Do not tighten the lock nut yet. Ensure the outer tie rod threads fully onto the inner tie rod with at least 6-8 full threads of engagement visible past the lock nut.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod ends with preliminary adjustment - passenger side
    Thread the lock nut onto the new passenger side outer tie rod end. Thread the outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod using the recorded measurement or turn count from disassembly to match the original length. Ensure adequate thread engagement (minimum 6-8 threads). Do not tighten the lock nut yet.
11. 11

    Install tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Clean the ball joint taper holes in both steering knuckles with wire brush. Insert the outer tie rod ball joint studs into the steering knuckles on both sides. Install new castle nuts and tighten to specification using a 22mm socket and torque wrench. If the castle nut slots do not align with the ball stud cotter pin hole at specified torque, tighten further (do not back off) until the next slot aligns with the hole. Install new cotter pins through the castle nuts and ball studs, bending the ends properly to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Perform initial steering and alignment check
    With the steering wheel still locked in center position, visually inspect that both front wheels appear to be pointing straight ahead and are symmetrical. Measure the distance from a fixed point on the chassis to the same point on each front wheel to verify symmetry. Check that all fasteners are properly installed. Reinstall both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and perform pre-alignment verification
    Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle on level surface and steering wheel centered, visually verify that both front wheels appear straight and parallel. Gently rock the steering wheel side to side (no more than 1 inch of rim movement) to settle the steering components. Check all fasteners one final time for proper installation. The vehicle is now ready for professional four-wheel alignment.

Reassembly

1. After professional four-wheel alignment is completed, the tie rod lock nuts must be torqued to specification (71 Nm / 53 lb-ft) while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent rotation
2. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent castle nut loosening
3. Confirm steering rack boots are properly sealed and clamps are tight with no tears or damage
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) in star pattern after alignment

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 25 mph) to verify steering response is normal and centered with no pulling to either side
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight and returns to center after turns
• Listen for any clicking, popping, or unusual noises from front suspension during turns and over bumps
• Inspect tie rod ends after test drive for any signs of looseness, leaking, or movement at ball joints
• Verify alignment specifications are within manufacturer tolerances (toe, camber, caster) on alignment printout
• Confirm no steering play or excessive free play exists at steering wheel center position
• Re-check all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving, particularly tie rod end castle nuts and lock nuts

More procedures for this vehicle