2017 Ford Escape Wheel Alignment Specifications

A proper wheel alignment is crucial for the safety, handling, and tire longevity of your 2017 Ford Escape. When the wheels are not aligned to the manufacturer's specifications, you can experience a host of problems, from uneven tire wear to compromised vehicle stability. This guide provides the factory alignment specifications and other essential information for your Escape.

Quick Reference: 2017 Ford Escape Alignment Specs

These values are for a stock 2017 Ford Escape and are intended as a reference. A professional alignment technician should always consult the vehicle manufacturer's latest service information for the most accurate and up-to-date specs. All values are in degrees.

Note: SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) and Thrust Angle are diagnostic angles and are not directly adjustable. They are used to identify bent or damaged components.

Adjustability

Not every angle on your 2017 Ford Escape is adjustable from the factory. Knowing which angles can be changed helps you understand what a technician can correct and when aftermarket parts might be necessary.

• Front Axle: The only factory-specified adjustment on the front of a 2017 Escape is Individual Toe. This is adjusted by threading the inner tie rods in or out of the outer tie rod ends. Camber and Caster are not factory adjustable. If these angles are out of spec, it often indicates that a component has been bent or damaged. However, if no damage is present, aftermarket solutions are available.

• Rear Axle: The rear suspension allows for the adjustment of Individual Toe. This is typically accomplished using an eccentric cam bolt located on the inboard side of the rear lower control arm. As with the front, rear Camber is not designed to be adjustable from the factory.

Recommended Adjustment Hardware

When front camber or caster angles fall outside the acceptable range on a vehicle without factory adjustments like the Escape, specialized hardware is required to bring them back into spec.

• Front Camber/Caster: The most common method for adding adjustability to the front suspension is by installing aftermarket cam bolts (also known as eccentric bolts). These bolts replace one of the two bolts that connect the strut to the steering knuckle. The lobes on the cam bolt allow a technician to shift the top of the knuckle inwards or outwards, thereby adjusting the camber angle. While this is primarily for camber, it can have a minor effect on the caster angle as well.

• Rear Camber: If the rear camber is out of specification and cannot be corrected by adjusting the rear toe (as toe changes can have a slight influence on camber), an adjustable upper control arm may be necessary. These aftermarket arms allow for direct adjustment of the rear camber angle.

Symptoms of Bad Alignment

Your Escape will usually give you clear signs that its alignment is off. Ignoring these symptoms will lead to premature tire wear and can affect handling.

• Vehicle Pulling: The most common symptom is the vehicle pulling or drifting to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight on a level road. This is often caused by unequal camber or caster from side to side.
• Off-Center Steering Wheel: When driving straight, the steering wheel is crooked or off-center. This is a direct result of incorrect toe settings.
• Uneven Tire Wear: A visual inspection of your tires can reveal alignment issues.
  • Camber Wear: Wear on the extreme inside or outside shoulder of the tire indicates a camber problem. Excessive negative camber wears the inside edge, while positive camber wears the outside edge.
  • Toe Wear: Incorrect toe causes a "feathered" or "scalloped" wear pattern across the tread. If you run your hand across the tire, the tread blocks will feel sharper on one edge than the other.

When to Get an Alignment

An alignment isn't just for when you feel a problem. It's a critical maintenance step that should be performed regularly and after specific events.

• After buying new tires: To protect your investment and ensure they wear evenly from the start.
• After suspension or steering repairs: Any time a component that affects wheel geometry is replaced (e.g., struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods), an alignment is required.
• After an impact: Hitting a large pothole, a curb, or any other significant road hazard can easily knock your alignment out of specification.
• When symptoms appear: As soon as you notice pulling, an off-center steering wheel, or uneven tire wear.

Typical Alignment Cost

The cost of a four-wheel alignment for a 2017 Ford Escape typically ranges from $100 to $250. The price can vary based on your geographic location and the specific shop. If your vehicle requires the installation of adjustment kits, like cam bolts for the front camber, you should expect additional charges for both the parts and the labor to install them.

Don't let a bad alignment ruin your tires and compromise your driving safety.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.