2019 Ford Explorer Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick Reference

Adjustability

The 2019 Ford Explorer offers factory adjustment for several key alignment angles, while others are non-adjustable and require aftermarket solutions or repair of worn components if they fall out of spec.

Front Alignment:

• Camber: Factory adjustable via slotted strut tower bolts. This allows for a reasonable range of adjustment to correct for minor changes in ride height or component wear.
• Caster: Factory adjustable via the lower control arm cam bolts. Caster is crucial for steering stability and return-to-center feel.
• Toe: Factory adjustable via the tie rod ends. This is the most common and frequently adjusted front alignment angle.

Rear Alignment:

• Camber: Factory adjustable via eccentric bolts on the lower control arms. This allows for correction of rear tire wear caused by excessive camber.
• Toe: Factory adjustable via eccentric bolts on the rear toe links. Rear toe is important for overall vehicle stability and tire wear.
• Thrust Angle: This is a calculated angle based on the rear toe settings. It is not directly adjustable but is corrected by adjusting the individual rear toe settings until both sides are equal, resulting in a 0.0° thrust angle.

Angles like SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) are generally non-adjustable from the factory. If SAI is out of specification, it often indicates worn ball joints, bent suspension components, or issues with the strut towers themselves. These issues typically require component replacement rather than adjustment.

Recommended Adjustment Hardware

For the 2019 Ford Explorer, the factory adjustment mechanisms are generally sufficient for routine alignment corrections. However, in cases of significant modifications (like lift kits or lowering springs) or if factory adjustment is maxed out due to worn components or previous collision damage, aftermarket solutions may be necessary:

• Aftermarket Cam Bolts/Bushings: If the factory adjustment for camber or caster on the front or rear is insufficient, aftermarket eccentric bolts or adjustable bushings can provide a wider range of adjustment. Brands like SPC Performance or Ingalls Engineering offer such solutions.
• Adjustable Control Arms: For more extreme cases, particularly with significant suspension modifications, adjustable aftermarket control arms for both front and/or rear can offer precise control over camber and caster.

Symptoms of Bad Alignment

Misaligned wheels can manifest in various ways, impacting tire life, fuel economy, and vehicle safety. Pay attention to these common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is often the most noticeable sign.
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, usually indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Edge wear (inner or outer): Excessive positive or negative camber will cause one edge of the tire to wear faster than the other. Inner edge wear often points to excessive negative camber, while outer edge wear suggests excessive positive camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular wear patterns, often seen as dips or hollows around the tire circumference. While sometimes linked to worn shocks or unbalanced tires, it can also be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle consistently drifts or pulls to one side when driving on a flat, straight road. This can be caused by unequal caster, camber, or toe settings between the left and right sides.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is traveling straight. This almost always indicates an issue with total toe, even if the vehicle isn