Control Arm Bushing - Front Lower

Replace the front lower control arm bushings on a 2017 Maserati Levante by removing the control arm assembly, pressing out old bushings, installing new bushings, and reinstalling with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (both bushings) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use high-temperature grade

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
6. Place floor jack under lower control arm to support suspension load before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the lower nut with a 19mm wrench. Remove the nut completely and detach the sway bar link from the control arm. Allow link to hang from sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the ball joint connection at the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin using a cotter pin removal tool or side cutters. Using a 24mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the control arm and knuckle and apply pressure. Strike the tool with a hammer if necessary. Once separated, support the knuckle to prevent strain on the brake line and ABS sensor wire.
   ⚠Ball joint separator can damage the dust boot. If not replacing the control arm completely, use a proper puller-style separator to preserve the boot.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt securing the control arm to the subframe. This is typically the larger diameter bolt. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Support the control arm with the floor jack as you work to prevent sudden dropping.
   ⚠Control arm will shift as bolts are removed. Ensure jack is properly positioned to control movement.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt securing the control arm to the subframe. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt completely. Lower the floor jack slowly to allow the control arm to drop free from the vehicle. Remove the control arm from under the vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark bushing orientation
   Before removing bushings, carefully inspect and mark the orientation of each bushing in the control arm. Note any offset positions, directional tabs, or void patterns. Take photographs if necessary. Mark the control arm and bushing with a paint pen to ensure correct reinstallation orientation.
   ℹ️Bushings installed in wrong orientation will cause handling problems, premature wear, and potential safety issues.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate bushing removal adapters, press out the old bushings from the control arm. Select an adapter slightly smaller than the bushing outer diameter to push against the bushing, and a receiver cup on the opposite side to catch the bushing as it exits. Apply steady pressure until bushing is fully removed. Repeat for both bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all rust and debris.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters are properly centered to avoid damaging control arm or bending the press. Use only adapters that fit the bushing size correctly.
8. 8

   Prepare control arm and new bushings
   Inspect control arm bushing bores for damage, cracks, or deformation. Measure bore diameter if equipment is available and compare to specifications. Clean bores completely with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of assembly lubricant or soapy water to the outer sleeve of the new bushings to aid installation. Do NOT use grease or oil that could cause the bushing to slip in service.
   ℹ️If control arm shows signs of impact damage, bending, or cracks, replace the entire control arm assembly rather than just bushings.
9. 9

   Press in new bushings
   Using the hydraulic press and installation adapters, carefully align the first new bushing with its bore ensuring correct orientation based on marks made earlier. Select an adapter that contacts only the outer metal sleeve of the bushing, not the rubber. Press the bushing in slowly and evenly until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm. The bushing should be centered in the bore. Repeat for the second bushing, again confirming correct orientation.
   ⚠Pressing on the rubber portion of the bushing will damage it. Use only adapters that contact the outer metal sleeve.
10. 10

    Install control arm to subframe
    Position the control arm back into the vehicle and align with the subframe mounting points. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of both control arm mounting bolts. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Do NOT torque at this time. The bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent binding and premature failure. Use the floor jack to support the control arm at approximate ride height position.
    ⚠Do not fully torque control arm bolts until vehicle weight is on wheels. Torquing in suspended position will preload bushings incorrectly.
11. 11

    Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
    Raise the control arm with the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud through the knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to proper specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    ℹ️If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole after reaching torque spec, tighten further to next alignment point. Never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the control arm mounting point. Install the lower mounting bolt and nut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and tighten the nut to specification using a 19mm wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle partially
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle using the floor jack until the tire just contacts the ground and there is weight on the suspension, but the vehicle is still partially supported by jack stands. The suspension should be at approximately normal ride height.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque control arm mounting bolts at ride height
    With vehicle weight now on the suspension at ride height, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This critical step ensures the bushings are not preloaded in the wrong position. Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket for both bolts.
    ⚠This is the most critical torque operation for bushing longevity. Ensure suspension is loaded and at ride height before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final wheel installation and torque
    Raise vehicle fully and remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both control arm bushings.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if servicing both front lower control arms
2. Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify no unusual noises or handling issues
3. Road force from new bushings may cause slight pull or different steering feel until bushings settle after 50-100 miles

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly control arm bolts which must be torqued at ride height
• Verify new cotter pins are properly installed and secured on both ball joints
• Check for any suspension noise when bouncing vehicle or turning steering wheel lock to lock
• Inspect for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should track straight with centered steering wheel
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment within 50 miles as bushing replacement affects alignment geometry
• After 100 miles of driving, re-check control arm bolt torque to ensure no loosening has occurred

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