Replace the clock spring assembly in the steering column of a 2017 Maserati Levante, which connects electrical systems between the steering wheel and vehicle body.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Photograph steering wheel position and all connector locations before disassembly
4. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Tape or mark steering wheel position relative to column for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect Battery
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. Secure the cable away from the terminal. Wait a minimum of 3 minutes before proceeding to allow all airbag system capacitors to fully discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Lower Steering Column Covers
   Remove the lower steering column trim covers by releasing the plastic clips and removing the retaining screws. The Levante has a two-piece design; remove the lower cover first, then the upper cover. Be careful not to break the plastic clips during removal.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Driver Airbag Module
   Locate the two Torx T30 bolts on the rear sides of the steering wheel (accessible through access holes). Remove both airbag module mounting bolts. Carefully pull the airbag module forward and disconnect the electrical connector(s) by pressing the locking tab. Store airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Never place face-down as deployment could cause injury.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect Steering Wheel Connectors
   Disconnect all electrical connectors at the steering wheel including horn, cruise control switches, and paddle shifter connectors if equipped. Take photos of connector routing for reassembly reference.
5. 5

   Mark and Remove Steering Wheel
   Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft using tape or paint pen. Remove the central steering wheel retaining nut using a 22mm socket. Use a steering wheel puller if the wheel does not release easily with firm pulling. Do not strike the wheel or use excessive force without a proper puller.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering shaft after wheel removal. Doing so will misalign the clock spring and require recentering.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Access Clock Spring Assembly
   Remove any remaining covers or shrouds from the steering column to fully expose the clock spring assembly. The clock spring is located directly behind where the steering wheel was mounted.
7. 7

   Mark Clock Spring Alignment
   Before removing the old clock spring, verify and mark the alignment reference marks on both the clock spring and steering column. The clock spring has centering marks that must align with marks on the column housing. Take clear photos of the alignment position.
   ⚠Proper alignment marking is critical. Incorrect installation will cause immediate clock spring failure and potential airbag system malfunction.
8. 8

   Disconnect Clock Spring Connectors
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the clock spring assembly. The Levante typically has two main connectors: one for the airbag and one for steering wheel controls. Note connector positions and routing.
9. 9

   Remove Clock Spring Assembly
   Remove the clock spring mounting screws (typically 3-4 screws around the perimeter). Carefully lift the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Keep the old clock spring as a reference for proper positioning if needed.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Prepare New Clock Spring
    Unpack the new clock spring assembly. Verify it is in the centered/locked position (most new units come with a centering pin or locking tab). Do not remove the centering device until installation is complete. Verify the part number matches the vehicle specification.
    ⚠If the new clock spring does not have a centering pin, manually center it by rotating the housing fully in one direction, then rotating back approximately 2.5-3 turns until alignment marks line up.
11. 11

    Install New Clock Spring
    Align the new clock spring with the steering column shaft and alignment marks. Ensure the centering marks on the clock spring align with the marks on the steering column housing. Install and hand-tighten all mounting screws, then torque in a cross pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect Clock Spring Connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly. Ensure each connector clicks firmly into place and is properly routed to avoid pinching during steering wheel installation. Remove any centering pin or locking device from the new clock spring at this time.
13. 13

    Reinstall Steering Wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal and slide it onto the steering column shaft. Ensure the clock spring wiring is not pinched. Install and torque the steering wheel retaining nut to specification. Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors (horn, switches, paddle shifters).
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall Airbag Module
    Reconnect the airbag module electrical connector(s). Carefully position the airbag module into the steering wheel, ensuring no wires are pinched. Install both airbag module mounting bolts and torque to specification using a Torx T30 bit.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully seated before installing module. Loose connection can cause airbag warning light or deployment issues.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall Steering Column Covers and Reconnect Battery
    Reinstall all steering column trim covers and secure with retaining screws. Ensure all clips are properly engaged. Reconnect the battery negative terminal and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify steering wheel is centered and aligned with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Ensure all trim panels and covers are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
3. Double-check that no electrical connectors were missed during reassembly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes (typically 6-8 seconds)
• Test all steering wheel controls including horn, cruise control, and paddle shifters if equipped
• Turn steering wheel fully left and right to ensure smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Start vehicle and verify no airbag or electrical warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard
• If airbag light remains on, use a diagnostic scanner to check for fault codes and clear if related to disconnection only
• Test drive vehicle briefly to confirm all steering functions operate correctly

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