This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear leaf springs on the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including suspension component disconnection and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails, ensuring adequate working clearance
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
8. Take photos of spring orientation and mounting positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a transmission jack or sturdy adjustable jack stand under the rear axle housing near the leaf spring mounting location. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. This will support the axle weight once the leaf spring is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the axle or suspension arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and remove the sway bar link nut using an 18mm wrench. Disconnect the link and move it aside for clearance.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the axle or suspension arm. Support the shock with one hand and remove the lower mounting bolt using appropriate socket. Allow shock to hang freely or secure with wire to prevent damage.
   ⚠Shock absorber may extend rapidly when released. Maintain control during removal.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect ball joint if applicable
   If the suspension configuration includes a ball joint connection to the leaf spring assembly, remove the cotter pin and loosen the ball joint nut. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator tool to separate the joint. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove leaf spring front mounting bolt
   Locate the front leaf spring eye mounting bolt at the frame bracket. Support the spring with your hand or transmission jack. Remove the mounting bolt completely using an 18mm socket and wrench. The spring may shift slightly when released.
   ⚠️Spring is now only secured at rear mount. Ensure adequate support is in place before proceeding.
6. 6

   Remove leaf spring rear mounting components
   Locate the rear leaf spring shackle or hanger assembly. Remove the rear mounting bolt and hardware using appropriate socket. The spring assembly will now be completely free from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove U-bolts and spring plates
   Remove the U-bolt nuts securing the leaf spring to the axle housing using a 16mm socket. Remove the U-bolts and lower spring plate. Carefully lower the transmission jack supporting the axle slightly to allow spring removal clearance.
   ⚠U-bolts are often corroded and may require penetrating oil or heat for removal.
8. 8

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   With all mounting hardware removed, carefully guide the leaf spring assembly out from under the vehicle. Take care not to damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components. Inspect mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Prepare new leaf spring
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the frame brackets and axle housing with a wire brush. Install new bushings into the leaf spring eyes if not pre-installed. Apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to mounting bolt threads. Compare new spring to old spring to verify correct application.
10. 10

    Install new leaf spring assembly
    Position the new leaf spring assembly into place, aligning the center bolt hole with the axle spring pad. Raise the transmission jack supporting the axle to bring it into contact with the spring. Install U-bolts and spring plate, threading nuts finger-tight only at this stage.
11. 11

    Install spring mounting hardware
    Install the front spring eye bolt through the frame bracket and spring bushing, threading nut finger-tight. Install the rear shackle assembly and bolt, also finger-tight. Ensure all components are properly aligned before final torquing.
12. 12

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect the shock absorber lower mounting and install bolt. Reconnect ball joint if applicable and install new cotter pin. Reconnect sway bar link, holding shaft with Allen key while torquing nut. Torque all components to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts121 Nm (89 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)

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

    Final torque all fasteners
    With vehicle still on jack stands, torque U-bolt nuts in a criss-cross pattern to manufacturer specification. Torque front and rear spring eye bolts to specification. Lower vehicle to ground so weight is on wheels, then perform final torque on control arm bolts if disturbed during procedure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify all suspension components are properly reconnected
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left under vehicle
4. Bounce vehicle several times to settle suspension before test drive

Verification

• Perform visual inspection of all mounting points and hardware for proper installation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and listen for unusual noises or vibrations
• Check for proper ride height and verify vehicle sits level side-to-side
• Have vehicle alignment checked by professional alignment shop, as leaf spring replacement affects rear suspension geometry
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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