2018 Ford Escape Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2018 Ford Escape offers limited factory adjustment for wheel alignment, which is common for many vehicles in its class.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Factory non-adjustable. If camber is out of specification, it typically indicates worn or bent suspension components. Aftermarket camber bolts (eccentric bolts) can be installed in the strut to knuckle mounting holes to provide a degree of adjustment.
• Caster: Factory non-adjustable. Like camber, caster issues usually point to bent control arms or other damaged suspension parts. Aftermarket solutions for caster adjustment are less common for the Escape but can involve specialized offset bushings for control arms.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. The front toe on the 2018 Ford Escape is adjusted via the tie rod ends. This is a straightforward adjustment that a qualified alignment technician can easily perform.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. The rear camber on the 2018 Ford Escape is typically adjusted using an eccentric bolt or cam at the lower control arm mounting point. This allows for fine-tuning to bring the camber into specification.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. The rear toe is adjustable via an eccentric bolt or cam on a rear lower link, allowing precise adjustments to maintain proper tracking.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For non-adjustable angles that are outside of specification due to wear, or if you desire more aggressive alignment settings for performance, aftermarket solutions are available:

• Front Camber/Caster: While not factory adjustable, worn components causing out-of-spec readings will need replacement. If adjustment is desired for performance or to compensate for slight manufacturing variances, specialized aftermarket camber bolts can be installed on the front struts. Consult with a reputable alignment shop for appropriate options.
• Rear Camber/Toe: The factory adjustment for rear camber and toe is generally sufficient for most situations. In cases where significant adjustment is needed due to vehicle modifications or accident repair, aftermarket adjustable control arms or eccentric bushings might be considered, though this is less common for an Escape.

Symptoms of bad alignment

An improperly aligned vehicle can exhibit several noticeable symptoms. Paying attention to these can save you money on tires and improve your driving experience:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common and expensive symptom. Depending on the misalignment, you might see:
  • Feathering: Tires have a saw-tooth or feathered edge when you run your hand across the tread. Often caused by excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • One-sided wear: More wear on the inner or outer edge of the tire. This usually points to incorrect camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Pothole-like dips around the tread. While often a sign of worn shocks/struts, it can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when you're driving in a straight line, your alignment is off.
• Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle constantly drifts or pulls to one side, requiring you to hold the steering wheel crooked to stay straight.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to keep in a straight line.
• Squealing Tires: Tires may squeal, especially during turns, indicating they are not tracking properly.

When to align

It's crucial to get a wheel alignment in specific situations to ensure optimal handling, tire life, and safety:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time components like tie rod ends, control arms, ball joints, struts, or shock absorbers are replaced, an alignment is necessary.
• After Installing New Tires: To protect your investment and ensure even wear from the start, a fresh alignment is highly recommended.
• After a Hard Impact: Hitting a large pothole, curb, or getting into a minor accident can knock your alignment out of spec. If you notice any of the symptoms above after such an event, get it checked.
• Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles: Even without specific incidents, regular alignment checks are good preventative maintenance, as alignment can gradually drift over time.
• When you notice any of the "Symptoms of bad alignment" listed above.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2018 Ford Escape can vary widely depending on your location, the type of shop (dealership vs. independent), and whether any seized components need extra labor to adjust. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If additional parts or labor are required to free seized adjusters or install aftermarket camber kits, the total cost will be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.