Replace the rear differential fluid on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD to maintain proper lubrication and extend differential life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover bolt sealing washers (if applicable) × 1 — Check OEM requirements

Fluids

• 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Allow vehicle to cool if recently driven (30+ minutes)
4. Gather all tools, new gasket, and 2 quarts of 75W-140 synthetic gear oil
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking points
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands at appropriate frame support points
7. Remove both rear wheels for better access to differential

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect differential cover
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. Locate the rear differential cover on the rear axle assembly. Inspect the area for existing leaks or damage. Clean the external surface of the cover and surrounding area with brake cleaner to prevent contamination during service.
2. 2

   Position drain pan and remove lower cover bolts
   Place the drain pan directly beneath the differential cover. Begin removing the differential cover bolts starting with the lower bolts. Leave the upper bolts partially threaded to prevent the cover from falling. Differential fluid will begin draining as you loosen the lower bolts.
   Torque spec

   Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove cover and drain fluid completely
   Support the differential cover with one hand while removing the remaining upper bolts. Carefully lower the cover away from the housing, allowing all fluid to drain into the pan. Set the cover aside on a clean surface. Allow fluid to drain completely for 5-10 minutes.
4. 4

   Inspect internal components
   With the cover removed, visually inspect the ring and pinion gears for abnormal wear, scoring, or metal debris. Check the magnetic drain plug (if equipped) on the cover for excessive metal particles. Small amounts of fine metallic paste are normal, but large metal chips indicate potential failure. Inspect the gasket sealing surface on the differential housing for damage.
   ℹ️If excessive metal debris or gear damage is found, further inspection by a qualified technician is required before refilling.
5. 5

   Clean cover and housing mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the differential cover and housing gasket mating surfaces using a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Remove all old gasket material completely. The surfaces must be clean and dry for proper gasket sealing. Clean the magnetic drain plug (if equipped) on the cover. Wipe surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth.
6. 6

   Install new gasket on cover
   Position the new differential cover gasket onto the cover. Ensure the gasket holes align perfectly with the bolt holes in the cover. Some gaskets may have an adhesive backing; others may require a thin bead of RTV sealant per manufacturer specifications. Verify gasket orientation before installation.
7. 7

   Reinstall differential cover
   Carefully position the cover with new gasket onto the differential housing. Start all differential cover bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Thread each bolt 2-3 turns before moving to the next to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are hand-tight, torque in a crisscross pattern to specification to ensure even gasket compression.
   ⚠Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern in multiple passes (50%, then 100%) to prevent gasket damage and ensure even sealing.
   Torque spec

   Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Locate and access fill plug
   Locate the differential fill plug on the front or side of the differential housing. It is typically a hex plug or bolt positioned to establish the correct fill level. Clean the area around the fill plug with brake cleaner. Remove the fill plug to verify access before filling.
9. 9

   Fill differential with new fluid
   Using a fluid pump, transfer 75W-140 synthetic gear oil through the fill hole. Fill slowly to allow air to escape. Continue filling until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole, indicating proper level (approximately 2 quarts total). Allow fluid to stabilize for 1-2 minutes, then top off if needed to maintain level at the bottom of the fill hole.
   ℹ️Use only the specified 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Incorrect fluid viscosity can cause differential damage and void warranty.
10. 10

    Reinstall fill plug and inspect for leaks
    Clean the fill plug threads and reinstall, torquing to specification if torque value is provided (typically 35-50 Nm for fill plugs, though not specifically listed). Wipe the entire differential cover area clean with shop towels. Inspect all around the cover gasket for any signs of fluid seepage.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, starting all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. Perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Dispose of used differential fluid according to local environmental regulations
2. Clean any spilled fluid from undercarriage and surrounding components
3. Record mileage and service date for maintenance records

Verification

• Start vehicle and allow to idle for 1-2 minutes to circulate fluid
• Immediately inspect differential cover area for any signs of leakage
• Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, making several turns in both directions
• Re-inspect differential cover and fill plug for leaks after test drive
• Listen for any abnormal noises from differential during operation
• Recheck fluid level after test drive by removing fill plug; top off if necessary

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