2012 Ford Escape 2WD L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Toe Adjustment




Toe Adjustment

Front Toe Adjustment

1. Start the engine and center the steering wheel.

2. Turn the engine off. Hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using a suitable holding device.

3. Check the toe settings following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

4. Remove the steering gear bellows clamp(s).

Factory service manual diagram




5. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut(s).

Factory service manual diagram




6. NOTE: Do not allow the steering gear bellows to twist when the inner tie rod is rotated.
Rotate the inner tie rods to increase or decrease the front toe.


Factory service manual diagram




7. NOTICE: Hold the tie-rod end stationary with a wrench while tightening the nut or damage to the boot can occur.

NOTE: Do not disturb the toe settings while tightening the nut(s).
Tighten the tie-rod jam nut(s) to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).


Factory service manual diagram




8. Install the steering gear bellows clamp(s).

Factory service manual diagram




9. Check the toe settings. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

10. Calibrate the steering wheel position sensor. For additional information, refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Calibration in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of Steering.

Rear Toe Adjustment

1. NOTICE: The cam nut and cam bolt area must be free of foreign material to make sure of correct clamping.

NOTE: Clean the general area of the joint to prevent foreign material from entering the joint. Clean the area using only mild liquids.
NOTE: Jounce the vehicle to make sure that the suspension is in its normal, at-rest position.
Check the toe setting using suitable wheel alignment equipment.


2. NOTE: Do not remove the rear knuckle cam nut and wheel knuckle bolts. If removed, clean the serrations in the bushing sleeve with a wire brush and install a new wheel knuckle bolt and cam nut.
Loosen the LH and RH rear wheel knuckle bolts.


Factory service manual diagram




3. Turn the LH and RH adjusting cams simultaneously until the toe is within specification.

Factory service manual diagram




4. Tighten the LH and RH rear wheel knuckle bolts.
- Using a suitable tool, hold the adjustment cam nut stationary while tightening the rear wheel knuckle bolt.

- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).


Factory service manual diagram




5. Calibrate the steering wheel position sensor. For additional information, refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Calibration in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of Steering.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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