Trailing Arm

Replace the rear trailing arm on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including disconnection of suspension components, removal of mounting hardware, and installation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushings (if not included with arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bolts (recommended replacement) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
7. Mark alignment position of adjustable components with paint pen for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from trailing arm
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the trailing arm. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the sway bar link nut using the appropriate socket. Separate the link from the trailing arm mounting point.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint connection
   Locate the ball joint that connects to the trailing arm. Remove and discard the cotter pin. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper connection between the ball joint stud and trailing arm. Do not damage the ball joint boot during separation.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect strut from trailing arm
   Locate the strut mounting bolts that connect the shock absorber to the trailing arm bracket. Support the trailing arm with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when disconnected. Remove the strut mounting bolts and carefully separate the strut from the trailing arm.
   ⚠Support trailing arm with jack before removing strut bolts to prevent sudden dropping and potential injury or component damage.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and remove forward control arm connection
   Identify the forward mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the subframe or body. Mark the exact position of any adjustment cams or eccentric bolts for reference during reinstallation. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the forward control arm mounting bolt. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the rear subframe or body. This is typically the main pivot point of the trailing arm. Support the trailing arm with a floor jack to control its removal. Remove the rear mounting bolt and carefully lower the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠Trailing arm may be heavy and awkward to maneuver. Ensure proper support during removal to prevent dropping.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   With the trailing arm removed, thoroughly inspect all mounting points on the subframe for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect the new trailing arm bushings to ensure they are properly pressed in and oriented correctly. Compare old and new trailing arms to verify correct replacement part.
7. 7

   Install new trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Position the new trailing arm assembly into place using a floor jack for support. Align the rear mounting point with the subframe bracket. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread it hand-tight. Do not fully torque at this time as final torque must be performed with vehicle weight on suspension.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install forward control arm mounting bolt
   Align the forward mounting point of the trailing arm with the subframe bracket. Ensure any alignment cams or eccentric bolts are positioned according to the reference marks made during disassembly. Insert the forward mounting bolt with all washers and spacers in correct orientation. Thread hand-tight but do not fully torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect strut to trailing arm
   Position the strut mounting bracket to align with the trailing arm connection point. Insert the strut mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the strut is properly seated in the mounting bracket before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint to trailing arm
    Clean the ball joint taper and trailing arm mounting hole to ensure proper seating. Insert the ball joint stud into the trailing arm and install the new ball joint nut. Torque to specification, then advance the nut to the next cotter pin hole if necessary (do not back off to align). Install a new cotter pin and bend tabs to secure.
    ⚠Never loosen a torqued castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Only advance the nut tighter to reach the next alignment slot.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link ball stud into the trailing arm mounting point. Install the sway bar link nut. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and torque the nut to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheel and lower vehicle for final torque
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels, but keep the jack slightly engaged for safety. Torque the control arm bolts (both forward and rear) to specification with the suspension loaded. This ensures proper bushing preload. Then torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension to prevent premature bushing failure and ensure proper handling characteristics.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove jack and lower vehicle completely to ground
2. Perform final inspection of all fasteners and connections
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues
4. Recheck all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving

Verification

• Visually inspect all connections to ensure bolts are properly seated and torqued
• Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured in ball joint nut
• Check that sway bar link moves freely without binding
• Bounce rear suspension to ensure proper operation and no unusual noises
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after repair completion
• After alignment, verify vehicle tracks straight and handles normally

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