Wheel Studs

Replace damaged or broken wheel studs on the rear axle hub assembly of a 2017 Maserati Levante, requiring partial hub disassembly and proper torque specifications during reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel stud(s) × 1 — Use OEM specification M14x1.5 thread
• Axle nut × 1 — Use new staked nut, single-use only
• Cotter pin (if equipped) × 1 — Check specific axle configuration

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 and securely support vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove wheel completely
5. Mark brake rotor position relative to hub for reinstallation (maintains balance)
6. Verify which stud(s) require replacement and note their position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Using a 32mm socket and breaker bar, remove the staked axle nut from the axle shaft. If the nut is staked, use a chisel or punch to unstake the locking tab before removal. This nut must be replaced and cannot be reused. Have a helper apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation during removal.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper securely with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly by pulling it straight off. If rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the back face of the rotor to break it free.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access rear hub assembly
   Depending on stud location and accessibility, you may need to remove the entire hub assembly. If the broken stud is accessible from the back of the hub without full removal, proceed to stud removal. If full hub removal is required, disconnect the CV joint by removing the CV joint bolts connecting the axle shaft to the hub assembly. Mark the CV joint position before removal.
   ⚠Support the axle shaft to prevent damage to CV joints or boots when disconnected from hub.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove damaged wheel stud
   Using a ball peen hammer and drift punch, drive the damaged stud out from the front of the hub toward the rear. The stud is press-fit and will require significant force. Strike the stud head squarely and evenly to avoid damaging the hub bore. If the stud is severely damaged or cannot be driven out, you may need to cut off the head and drive the remainder through. Clean the hub bore with a wire brush after removal.
   ⚠Ensure drift punch is centered on stud to prevent damage to hub bore or surrounding studs.
5. 5

   Prepare new stud installation
   Clean the hub stud bore thoroughly with a wire brush and apply a small amount of anti-seize to the serrated portion of the new stud (not the threads). Verify the new stud matches the original specification (M14x1.5 thread pitch for Levante). Insert the new stud into the hub bore from the rear, pushing it in as far as possible by hand.
6. 6

   Press in new wheel stud
   To fully seat the new stud, place a stack of washers or a large socket over the stud threads, then thread on several lug nuts. Using a torque wrench or impact, tighten the lug nuts gradually to pull the stud firmly into the hub. The stud should be fully seated with the head flush against the hub face. Continue tightening until the stud stops moving. Remove the installation washers/socket and lug nuts. Alternative method: use a hydraulic press or C-clamp with appropriate backing plate to press the stud in from behind.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten during stud installation as this can damage the stud threads or hub. Stop when stud is fully seated and firm.
7. 7

   Verify stud installation
   Inspect the installed stud to ensure it is fully seated with the serrated shoulder tight against the back of the hub flange. The stud should not rotate when turned by hand. Check that the stud protrusion matches the other studs and that threads are undamaged. If the stud is loose or can rotate, it was not properly seated and must be pressed in further or replaced.
8. 8

   Reinstall hub assembly and CV joint
   If the hub was removed, reconnect the CV joint to the hub assembly, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Install CV joint bolts and torque to specification in a star pattern. Ensure the axle shaft slides fully into the hub splines before installing the new axle nut.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install brake rotor and caliper
   Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub, aligning the marks made during removal. Install the brake caliper and torque the mounting bolts to specification. Ensure brake pads are properly seated and the caliper slides freely.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft and torque to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Have a helper apply the brake pedal or use a pry bar to prevent hub rotation during torquing. After torquing, stake the nut into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer, or install a new cotter pin if equipped with castellated nut design. The nut must be properly secured to prevent loosening.
    ⚠️Failure to properly torque and secure the axle nut can result in axle separation and complete loss of vehicle control.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel and torque lug nuts
    Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly on all studs including the newly replaced one. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle so the wheel is just touching the ground (still supported primarily by jack stands). Torque all lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely and perform final torque check.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the new axle nut is properly staked or pinned and cannot loosen
2. Verify all brake components are properly installed and caliper moves freely
3. Ensure all CV joint bolts are torqued and properly seated
4. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern to proper specification

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration or unusual noise from the repaired wheel
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification to ensure proper seating
• Inspect the new stud(s) for any signs of looseness or movement after initial driving
• Verify axle nut remains properly staked and secure
• Check for any brake pulsation or noise that could indicate rotor misalignment

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