2019 Ford Escape Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2019 Ford Escape, the only factory-adjustable angle on the front axle is individual toe. This is adjusted by loosening the jam nuts on the inner and outer tie rod ends and rotating the inner tie rod to effectively lengthen or shorten the steering linkage. Front camber and caster are not factory adjustable. If camber or caster are out of specification, it typically indicates that a component is bent or worn out and requires replacement.

For the rear suspension, individual toe is the only adjustable angle. This is typically adjusted via an eccentric bolt on one of the control arms. Similar to the front, rear camber is not adjustable from the factory.

Recommended adjustment hardware

If front camber or caster is slightly out of spec due to subframe shift or minor component wear, aftermarket cam bolts (also known as "crash bolts") can often be installed in the strut-to-knuckle mounting holes. These bolts have a cam lobe that allows for a small amount of camber and caster adjustment. For more significant adjustments, or for vehicles that have been lowered or lifted, adjustable control arms or ball joints may be necessary. For rear camber, adjustable control arms are the most common solution. Popular brands for these components include SPC, Moog, and Specialty Products.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A vehicle with improper alignment can exhibit several symptoms. The most common is a pulling or drifting to one side while driving on a straight, level road. This is often caused by an uneven camber or caster from side to side. Another common symptom is an off-center steering wheel, where the steering wheel is not straight when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. This is typically a result of incorrect toe settings.

Tire wear patterns are also a strong indicator of alignment issues.

• Feathering: When the tread blocks are worn down on one side and are sharp on the other, this is a classic sign of a bad toe setting.
• Camber wear: This presents as excessive wear on either the inside or outside edge of the tire. Positive camber will wear the outside of the tire, while negative camber will wear the inside.
• Cupping or scalloping: This type of wear, which looks like scoops taken out of the tire, is often a sign of worn-out shocks or struts but can also be exacerbated by poor alignment.

When to align

It is recommended to have your vehicle's alignment checked annually or whenever you have new tires installed. Additionally, an alignment should be performed after any of the following:

• Suspension or steering component replacement: This includes struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, and tie rods.
• Impact with a curb or large pothole: A significant impact can easily knock the alignment out of specification.
• After installing a lift or lowering kit: Altering the ride height will change the suspension geometry and necessitate an alignment.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a four-wheel alignment can vary depending on your location and the type of shop you choose. Expect to pay between $80 and $200 for a professional alignment. Some shops may charge extra if aftermarket adjustment kits need to be installed.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.