Coil Spring - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, requiring disassembly of the front suspension strut assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing assembly × 1 — Recommended replacement during service
• Strut dust boot kit × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Strut bump stop × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Install jack stands under frame rails rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut, sway bar link nuts, and strut mounting hardware; allow 15 minutes to penetrate
7. Take photos of suspension assembly orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the stabilizer bar to the strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. The link will remain attached to the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers. Remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   ℹ️The cotter pin may be corroded and require cutting with diagonal cutters.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Position the separator between the control arm and knuckle, and drive or press the tool to break the taper fit. Apply firm pressure; the joint will release suddenly. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand or floor jack after separation to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The control arm will drop when the ball joint separates. Support it with a jack or stand to prevent damage to CV axle and brake lines.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large bolts typically accessed from the rear of the strut. Remove both bolts completely. The knuckle assembly will now be free from the strut but remains attached via the CV axle and brake components.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly to prevent stress on CV axle and brake lines when strut is separated.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove any plastic covers if present. Identify the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower (typically 13mm). Hold the strut assembly from below to prevent it from falling, then remove all three nuts. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant support the strut from below while removing the tower nuts, or the assembly may fall and cause injury.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mount strut in vice and inspect assembly
   Secure the strut assembly in a vice or strut holding fixture, clamping only on the strut body (not the shock shaft). Inspect the strut mount, bearing, dust boot, and bump stop for wear or damage. Mark the orientation of the spring and strut mount for reassembly reference.
   ⚠Never clamp the shock shaft in a vice as this will damage the internal seals and ruin the shock.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions. Position the compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they engage securely in the coil valleys at least 2-3 coils from each end. Verify the hooks are fully seated and will not slip. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compression tools if using a pair, to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Verify compressor hooks are fully engaged before applying pressure. Compress evenly and slowly. Keep hands, body, and face clear of the spring path if it releases. Wear face protection.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and top mount
   Continue compressing the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper spring seat (approximately 1-2 inches of free play). Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or strut holding tool to prevent rotation, then remove the top center nut. Carefully remove the top mount assembly, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components.
   ⚠Do not remove the shaft nut until the spring is sufficiently compressed to have clear free play. Premature removal can cause components to launch.
9. 9

   Remove old coil spring
   With the top mount removed, carefully remove the compressed coil spring from the strut assembly. Keep the spring compressor installed and maintain compression. Remove the lower spring seat/isolator from the strut body if it is separate. Inspect the strut body for leaks or damage.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Transfer the spring compressor to the new coil spring, or install the new spring in the compressor if using a bench-style unit. Compress the new spring to the same approximate length as the old spring was compressed. Install the lower spring seat/isolator on the strut body if separate. Position the compressed new spring onto the strut, aligning the end of the spring with the step or tab on the lower spring seat. Verify proper spring orientation per service manual or matching old spring position.
    ⚠Spring end positioning is critical. The end coil must seat properly in the lower spring seat pocket or the spring may shift during operation.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut mount assembly
    Install the bump stop onto the strut shaft if separate. Install the upper spring seat, ensuring proper orientation. Install the bearing plate and top mount assembly in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-70 Nm, but verify in service manual as this torque was not provided in database).
    ℹ️Top mount orientation is critical for proper handling. The mount typically has an orientation mark that must align with the strut position.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, allowing the spring to expand into the upper and lower spring seats. Verify the spring ends seat properly in both seats. Once fully released, remove the spring compressor tools. Inspect the assembly to ensure all components are properly seated and aligned.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Listen for any unusual sounds indicating improper seating.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, aligning the top mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Position the bottom of the strut to align with the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification.
    ℹ️An assistant or support strap makes this step significantly easier as the strut is heavy and awkward to position.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect ball joint and sway bar link
    Raise the lower control arm with a floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the knuckle. Install the ball joint through the knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque the ball joint nut to specification and install a new cotter pin through the stud, bending the ends to secure. Connect the sway bar end link to the strut mounting point. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Perform final torque on the strut tower nuts to specification with vehicle weight on suspension.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. If control arm bolts were disturbed, lower vehicle completely and torque per specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if servicing both front springs
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation and listen for any unusual noises
4. Schedule wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry will be affected by spring replacement

Verification

• Verify vehicle sits at proper ride height compared to before service
• Check that there are no unusual noises when driving over bumps or turning
• Confirm steering returns to center properly after turns
• Verify no creaking or clunking sounds from spring seats during suspension travel
• Have four-wheel alignment performed and verify specifications are within manufacturer tolerance
• Recheck all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving

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