Wheel Cylinder

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including brake system bleeding and verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (springs, retainers) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake shoes (if worn or contaminated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum (if scored or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 4,800 lbs)
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Prepare clean workspace and lay out all tools and replacement parts
8. Have adequate lighting to inspect brake components
9. Place catch pan under work area to contain brake fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear disc brake caliper
   Remove the rear disc brake caliper to access the drum-in-hat assembly. Remove the caliper slide pin bolts using appropriate socket. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not allow caliper to hang by the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rear brake rotor to expose the parking brake drum assembly. If rotor is seized, use penetrating oil and light tapping with rubber mallet. On this vehicle, the parking brake drum is integrated behind the rotor hub.
3. 3

   Remove parking brake drum
   Remove the parking brake drum assembly by removing the mounting bolts. The drum may require light tapping with a rubber mallet if stuck. Inspect drum for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Replace if damaged or if diameter exceeds service limits.
4. 4

   Document brake shoe configuration
   Before disassembly, take photos or make notes of spring and hardware positioning. Note the orientation of leading and trailing shoes, as they are different. Inspect brake shoes for fluid contamination from leaking wheel cylinder.
5. 5

   Remove brake shoe hold-down hardware
   Using brake spring tools, remove the hold-down springs and pins from both brake shoes. Compress and rotate the retainer caps to release. Work carefully as these springs are under tension.
6. 6

   Disconnect brake shoe return springs
   Remove the upper and lower return springs connecting the brake shoes using brake spring pliers. Note the position and orientation of each spring for reassembly. Remove the adjuster mechanism and spring.
7. 7

   Disconnect wheel cylinder and remove brake shoes
   Using a line wrench, carefully loosen the brake line fitting at the wheel cylinder to prevent rounding. Have a catch pan ready for brake fluid. Remove both brake shoes as an assembly. Inspect shoes for contamination; if wet with brake fluid, shoes must be replaced.
   ⚠Use only a proper line wrench to avoid rounding the brake line fitting. Standard wrenches will damage the soft brass fitting.
8. 8

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the backing plate using appropriate socket. Remove the old wheel cylinder from the backing plate. Catch any residual brake fluid.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect backing plate
   Thoroughly clean the backing plate with brake cleaner spray. Inspect for damage, excessive rust, or distortion. Clean the shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant to the six shoe contact points on the backing plate.
10. 10

    Install new wheel cylinder
    Position the new wheel cylinder on the backing plate. Install and torque the mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the wheel cylinder is properly seated against the backing plate before tightening.
11. 11

    Connect brake line to wheel cylinder
    Thread the brake line fitting into the new wheel cylinder by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a line wrench, torque the fitting to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the fitting or wheel cylinder threads.
12. 12

    Install brake shoes and hardware
    Install new or cleaned brake shoes with new hardware kit. Connect the adjuster mechanism and spring. Install the lower return spring, then position both shoes. Install the upper return spring. Install the hold-down pins and springs on both shoes. Verify all hardware matches your reference photos and is properly seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall parking brake drum and adjust
    Clean drum surface with brake cleaner. Install drum and torque mounting bolts to specification. Adjust brake shoes using the adjuster wheel until shoes just contact drum, then back off until drum rotates freely with slight drag.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean rotor mounting surface and install rotor. Apply silicone brake grease to caliper slide pin bolts. Position caliper over rotor and install slide pin bolts. Torque bolts to specification.
15. 15

    Bleed brake system
    Fill brake fluid reservoir with fresh DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid. Bleed the wheel cylinder at the bleeder screw using a vacuum pump or two-person method. Start with wheel farthest from master cylinder if bleeding entire system. Continue until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Check reservoir level frequently and maintain proper level.
    ⚠Never reuse brake fluid. Use only fresh DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid from a sealed container.
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. If both rear wheel cylinders were replaced, bleed both sides starting with the side farthest from the master cylinder
2. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper shoe-to-drum contact and firm pedal feel
3. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid as needed
4. Verify no brake fluid leaks at wheel cylinder or line connection
5. Test parking brake operation and adjust cable tension if necessary

Verification

• Start engine and verify firm brake pedal with no sponginess or excessive travel
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area to confirm proper braking function
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at wheel cylinder, brake line fitting, and bleeder screw
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on incline and releases fully
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds to confirm normal brake operation and no pulling
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect wheel cylinder area after 50-100 miles for any signs of leakage

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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