Trailing Arm Bushing

Replace the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2017 Maserati Levante to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm bushing kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear trailing arm bushing kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm mounting hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level 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
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove both rear wheels
6. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
7. Photograph suspension assembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear trailing arm near the shock absorber mounting point. Raise the jack just enough to support the weight of the suspension assembly and relieve tension on the mounting bolts. This simulates normal ride height and prevents components from dropping when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Remove sway bar link connection
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the trailing arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the trailing arm. Allow the link to hang freely from the sway bar.
   ⚠Support the sway bar link to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the subframe or chassis. Using a breaker bar, remove this bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation. The trailing arm should now pivot on the rear mounting point only.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Remove the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that secures the arm to the rear subframe or knuckle assembly. With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the trailing arm using the floor jack and remove it from the vehicle. Handle carefully to avoid damaging brake lines or ABS sensors.
   ⚠Ensure no brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components are caught on the trailing arm during removal.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Press out old bushing from front mount
   Secure the trailing arm in a hydraulic press or use a portable press frame with the appropriate bushing removal tool. Position the tool to push the old front bushing out of the trailing arm bore. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is completely expelled. Clean the bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or cracks.
6. 6

   Press out old bushing from rear mount
   Reposition the trailing arm in the press to access the rear bushing location. Use the bushing removal tool to press out the rear bushing. Clean the bore with a wire brush and inspect for any signs of elongation or cracking that would require trailing arm replacement.
   ⚠If the bushing bore shows elongation or cracking, the trailing arm must be replaced rather than refitted with new bushings.
7. 7

   Install new front bushing
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer diameter of the new front bushing. Position the bushing in the trailing arm bore with correct orientation (note any offset or directional markings). Use the press and installation tool to drive the bushing in squarely until it seats completely flush with the arm bore.
8. 8

   Install new rear bushing
   Lubricate the new rear bushing outer diameter with soapy water or installation lubricant. Position with correct orientation and press into the trailing arm bore until fully seated. Verify both bushings are flush and properly seated with no gaps or misalignment.
9. 9

   Reinstall trailing arm assembly
   Position the trailing arm back into its mounting location on the vehicle. Insert the rear mounting bolt first, threading it by hand but not tightening. Then install the front mounting bolt by hand. Ensure all washers and spacers are in their original positions. Do not torque these bolts yet.
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Raise the trailing arm using the floor jack to align the sway bar link with its mounting point. Install the sway bar link nut, holding the shaft with an Allen key while tightening to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Then lower vehicle completely so full weight is on all four wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and full weight on the wheels, torque both trailing arm mounting bolts (front and rear) to specification. This is critical for proper bushing preload and longevity. Torquing with the suspension unloaded will cause premature bushing failure.
    ⚠️Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Failure to do so will result in accelerated bushing wear and potential suspension failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat steps 1-12 for the opposite rear trailing arm. Trailing arm bushings should typically be replaced as a complete axle set to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are tightened to specification
2. Confirm sway bar links are properly connected
3. Check that no brake lines, ABS sensors, or wiring are pinched or stressed
4. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no clunking or abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and alignment; schedule four-wheel alignment as bushing replacement affects suspension geometry
• Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no fluid leaks or damaged lines from the repair work
• Confirm steering response and handling characteristics are normal with no pulling or instability

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