Front Struts - Pair

Replace both front strut assemblies on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including removal of wheel assemblies, disconnection of steering/suspension components, and installation of new struts with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket (KYB, Bilstein)
• Front strut assembly - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket (KYB, Bilstein)
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — OEM specification
• Strut tower mounting hardware if corroded × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake. Chock rear wheels securely.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support with jack stands under subframe. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
4. Remove both front wheels completely and set aside.
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-30 minutes to soak if vehicle has corrosion or high mileage.
6. Inspect strut towers in engine bay for rust or damage. Clean area around strut tower mounting nuts.
7. Take photos of brake line routing, ABS sensor wiring, and any other components attached to strut for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting points
   Open hood and locate the strut tower mounting nuts at the top of each strut assembly in the engine bay. Remove any plastic covers or sound deadening material blocking access to the three mounting nuts on each side. Do NOT remove the center nut (this holds the strut shaft and spring assembly together).
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating, use a 15mm wrench to remove the upper nut connecting the end link to the strut. Swing the end link away from the strut. Inspect the end link boot for tears or damage and replace if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Carefully remove any brake line brackets or clips securing the brake line to the strut body. Do NOT disconnect the brake line itself - simply free it from the strut mounting points. Similarly, unclip the ABS wheel speed sensor wire from any retaining clips on the strut. Support the brake caliper and line to prevent tension on the hydraulic line.
   ⚠Do not allow brake caliper or brake line to hang unsupported. This can damage the hydraulic line or cause air to enter the system.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. These are typically 18mm bolts with nuts on the backside. Support the strut assembly from below with a jack or have an assistant hold it. Remove both bolts completely. Note that these bolts pass through a pinch clamp on the knuckle - you may need to use a pry bar to spread the clamp slightly for removal.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Support it before removing the final attachment point to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the engine bay. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a jack with a block of wood to support it. Remove the three strut tower mounting nuts (typically 16mm) that secure the top of the strut to the chassis. Once all three nuts are removed, carefully guide the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. The top studs will withdraw from the strut tower as you lower the assembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect and prepare replacement strut
   With the old strut removed, inspect the strut tower mounting surface for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush. If installing complete strut assemblies (pre-assembled with springs), verify that the new struts are properly assembled and match the orientation of the old units. If installing bare struts, transfer the spring, mount, and other components from the old strut using a spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure the spring is properly seated in both upper and lower perches.
   ⚠️If using a spring compressor, compress the spring evenly on opposite sides. An improperly compressed spring can release violently, causing severe injury.
7. 7

   Install new strut assembly
   Guide the new strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the three mounting studs on top with the holes in the strut tower. You may need to rotate the strut to achieve proper alignment. Once the studs protrude through the tower, install the three mounting nuts hand-tight from the engine bay. Do not fully torque these nuts yet. Support the bottom of the strut and align it with the steering knuckle.
8. 8

   Connect strut to steering knuckle
   Align the bottom of the strut assembly with the mounting bracket on the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the pinch clamp on the knuckle slightly to fit the strut shaft. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the proper direction (note orientation from disassembly photos) and install nuts on the backside. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠Ensure the strut shaft is fully seated in the knuckle clamp before torquing. Improper seating can affect wheel alignment and handling.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts128 Nm (95 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the engine bay and torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern. Ensure all nuts are seated properly and torque evenly to prevent distortion of the mounting plate.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position the sway bar end link ball stud into the mounting hole on the strut assembly. Install the retaining nut and torque to specification while holding the ball stud shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Verify the end link boot is not torn or twisted.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reattach brake line and sensors
    Reinstall all brake line brackets and clips to the strut body, ensuring the brake line follows the original routing path without kinks or excessive tension. Reattach the ABS wheel speed sensor wire to its retaining clips on the strut. Verify no wires or lines are pinched or rubbing against moving components.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 2 through 11 for the opposite front strut assembly. Ensure all torque specifications are followed identically on both sides.
13. 13

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to the ground and perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any plastic covers or sound deadening material removed from the strut towers in the engine bay.
2. Verify all electrical connectors, brake lines, and ABS sensors are properly secured and routed.
3. Double-check that all suspension fasteners have been torqued to specification and no tools or parts have been left in the wheel wells or engine bay.

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each front corner several times to settle the suspension. Listen for any unusual noises, rattles, or clunks that might indicate loose components.
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to verify all fasteners are tight and no components are hanging loose or misaligned.
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed (under 25 mph). Check for unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling to one side. The steering should feel responsive and centered.
• CRITICAL: Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately. Strut replacement significantly affects alignment, and improper alignment causes tire wear and handling problems.
• After first 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners and wheel lug nuts to specification. Some settling may occur with new components.
• Inspect strut tower mounting nuts periodically for the first few weeks to ensure they remain tight.

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