Replace the outer CV boot on the rear driveshaft of a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD to prevent contamination and failure of the CV joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV grease (if not included in kit) × 1 — Moly-based CV joint grease
• Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel on side requiring CV boot replacement
6. Clean the work area around the CV joint and driveshaft to prevent dirt contamination during repair

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the axle nut from the rear hub. This nut is torqued to 250 Nm and will require significant force. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove it first. Discard the old axle nut as a new one should be used during reassembly.
   ⚠Apply penetrating oil if nut is difficult to remove. Do not use impact tools on this nut as it may damage the hub bearings.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect CV joint from differential flange
   Locate the CV joint bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the differential output flange. Mark the orientation of the CV joint to the flange for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the CV joint bolts using appropriate socket. Support the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Carefully pull the hub assembly outward while supporting the driveshaft. Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle and place it on a clean work surface. Keep the inner CV joint upright to prevent grease spillage.
4. 4

   Remove damaged outer CV boot
   Cut and remove the old boot clamps using side cutters or a clamp removal tool. Slide the damaged outer boot off the CV joint toward the center of the shaft. Wipe away all old grease from the CV joint, shaft, and surrounding areas using shop towels. Inspect the CV joint for damage, wear, or pitting.
   ℹ️If CV joint shows clicking, binding, excessive play, or visible damage, the entire joint assembly should be replaced rather than just the boot.
5. 5

   Clean CV joint and shaft
   Thoroughly clean the outer CV joint, shaft splines, and boot seating areas using a wire brush and solvent or brake cleaner. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. Dry completely with clean shop towels. Inspect the boot seating grooves on the shaft for damage or corrosion.
6. 6

   Install new outer CV boot
   Slide the small clamp onto the shaft first, followed by the new CV boot with the small end toward the center of the shaft. Do not install clamps yet. Ensure the boot is the correct orientation with the smaller diameter toward the shaft center.
7. 7

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the outer CV joint completely with the supplied CV grease from the boot kit. Work grease into all ball bearings and races by rotating the joint through its full range of motion. Apply approximately half of the grease packet into the joint itself, and place the remaining grease inside the boot cavity.
8. 8

   Position and secure CV boot
   Slide the boot over the CV joint, ensuring it seats properly in both the shaft groove and the outer CV joint groove. The boot should not be twisted or stretched. Install the small clamp first, positioning it in the shaft groove. Tighten the small clamp using CV boot clamp pliers until secure. Install and tighten the large clamp in the CV joint groove.
   ℹ️Ensure boot is not over-inflated or under-inflated. It should have slight slack to allow for suspension travel without tearing.
9. 9

   Reinstall driveshaft to hub
   Insert the outer CV joint shaft into the rear hub assembly. Ensure the splines engage fully. Do not install the axle nut yet.
10. 10

    Connect CV joint to differential
    Align the inner CV joint with the differential output flange using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the CV joint bolts finger-tight, ensuring proper alignment. Torque the CV joint bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install a new axle nut onto the hub shaft. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. If equipped with a cotter pin hole, install a new cotter pin and bend tabs. If equipped with a staked nut design, stake the nut collar into the shaft groove using a punch.
    ⚠This is a critical safety fastener. Verify torque specification is met and locking mechanism is properly installed.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and all tools are removed from the work area
2. Check that CV boot clamps are properly seated and secure with no gaps
3. Ensure no grease is leaking from the boot

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the repaired CV joint during turns and acceleration
• Inspect the new CV boot for proper seating, tears, or grease leaks after test drive
• Verify no vibration is present during acceleration or at highway speeds
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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