2017 Ford Explorer Wheel Alignment Specifications

As an ASE-certified alignment technician, I’ve put thousands of vehicles on the alignment rack, and the fifth-generation Ford Explorer is one of the most common SUVs I see in the bay. The 2017 Ford Explorer is a heavy, unibody crossover that relies heavily on a properly dialed-in suspension to maintain its comfortable ride and maximize tire life. Whether you are dealing with uneven tire wear, a steering wheel that is off-center, or you've just replaced a set of worn-out struts, getting your Explorer's alignment back into factory specifications is critical.

Below, you’ll find the factory alignment specifications, adjustability notes, and everything you need to know about keeping your 2017 Ford Explorer tracking straight and true.

Quick reference

Here is the quick reference chart for the 2017 Ford Explorer alignment specifications. Always verify with your specific alignment machine's software, as slight variations can exist based on the specific trim (e.g., Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum) and drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD).

(Note: Angles are measured in degrees. Specifications are for stock ride height and factory wheel/tire combinations.)

Adjustability

Like many modern unibody SUVs, the 2017 Ford Explorer has limited factory adjustability out of the box. Here is what you can and cannot adjust from the factory:

• Front Toe: Highly adjustable. This is your primary front adjustment, handled via the inner and outer tie rods.
• Front Camber & Caster: Non-adjustable from the factory. The front MacPherson strut design uses fixed mounting holes. If camber or caster is out of specification, it typically indicates worn suspension components (like lower control arm bushings, a bent strut, or a shifted subframe). To adjust front camber, you will need aftermarket hardware.
• Rear Toe: Factory adjustable. The rear suspension features an eccentric cam bolt on the toe link, allowing you to dial in the rear toe and correct the thrust angle.
• Rear Camber: Non-adjustable from the factory. The rear upper control arms dictate the camber angle. If rear camber is excessively negative (a common issue as the rear springs sag over time), aftermarket upper control arms are required.

Recommended adjustment hardware

If your 2017 Ford Explorer is out of spec on its non-adjustable angles, don't panic. The aftermarket provides excellent solutions to get your alignment back into the green:

• Front Camber Bolts: Replacing the upper strut-to-knuckle bolt with an SPC (Specialty Products Company) or Moog eccentric cam bolt will usually yield up to ±1.5 degrees of camber adjustment. This is highly recommended if you have a slight pull or edge wear that cannot be fixed by replacing hard parts.
• Rear Adjustable Camber Arms: If the rear camber is sagging into the -2.0° range or worse, you will burn through the inside edges of your rear tires quickly. SPC and other brands make adjustable rear upper control arms that allow for precise rear camber adjustment.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Because the Explorer is a heavy vehicle, bad alignment angles will chew through expensive tires very rapidly. Watch out for these common tire-wear patterns and symptoms:

• Inner Edge Wear (Front or Rear): Usually caused by excessive negative camber or excessive toe-out. On the Explorer, aggressive inner wear on the rear tires is a telltale sign of sagging rear springs causing excessive negative rear camber.
• Outer Edge Wear: Caused by excessive positive camber or excessive toe-in.
• Feathering or Cupping: Cupping is often a sign of blown struts or shocks, but feathering (where tread blocks are smooth in one direction and sharp in the other) is a classic symptom of a bad toe setting.
• Off-Center Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is tilted while driving straight, your front or rear toe is out, or you have a thrust angle issue pushing the rear of the vehicle to one side.
• Vehicle Pulling: A distinct pull to the left or right can be caused by uneven front caster or camber side-to-side, or a severe thrust angle issue.

When to align

As an ASE-certified tech, I recommend checking your Explorer's alignment under the following conditions:

• After suspension or steering work: Any time you replace tie rods, struts, lower control arms, or rear toe links, an alignment is mandatory.
• When buying new tires: Protect your investment. A $100 alignment is much cheaper than replacing a set of $1,000 tires prematurely.
• After a significant impact: Hitting a deep pothole, sliding into a curb during winter, or running over debris can easily bend a control arm or shift a subframe.
• Annually or every 15,000 miles: Preventative maintenance checks can catch minor toe issues before they ruin your tires.

Typical alignment cost

For a 2017 Ford Explorer, you should expect to pay for a standard four-wheel alignment. Because the rear toe is adjustable, a simple front-end alignment is not sufficient.

• Standard 4-Wheel Alignment: $90 to $150.
• With Aftermarket Hardware Installation: If the shop needs to install front camber bolts or rear adjustable arms, expect to pay an additional 1 to 2 hours of labor ($120–$250) plus the cost of the parts.

Don't let a bad alignment compromise the safety, handling, and tire life of your SUV. Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.