2017 Ford Explorer Steering Pull or Wander: Causes & Cost Factors

Steering pull or wander — cost 2017 Ford Explorer

Experiencing a persistent steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Explorer can be not only annoying but also a significant safety concern. This issue, where your vehicle drifts off its intended line without direct steering input or requires constant correction to stay straight, can indicate a range of underlying problems. Understanding the causes and potential fixes is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring a safe driving experience.

What drivers notice on this 2017 Ford Explorer

Drivers of a 2017 Ford Explorer with a steering pull or wander will typically feel an unsettling sensation that the vehicle isn't tracking straight. This isn't just a slight deviation; it often demands active steering input to keep the SUV centered in its lane. It can be particularly noticeable at highway speeds, making long drives fatiguing and potentially hazardous.

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

• Difficulty Rating: 8/10 — Moderate to advanced
• Common Symptoms: Vehicle drifts to one side: The most obvious symptom, where the Explorer consistently veers left or right without the st; Constant steering correction needed: You find yourself making small, continuous adjustments to the steering wheel to mai; Loose or vague steering feel: The steering wheel might feel less responsive or have excessive play before the wheels rea; Uneven tire wear: Tires, especially the front ones, may show premature or irregular wear patterns (e.g., feathering, cup
• Estimated Repair Cost: $200–$1,800 (parts + typical shop labor)
• OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Symptoms and warning signs

Recognizing the specific symptoms of steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Explorer is the first step toward diagnosis:

• Vehicle drifts to one side: The most obvious symptom, where the Explorer consistently veers left or right without the steering wheel being turned.
• Constant steering correction needed: You find yourself making small, continuous adjustments to the steering wheel to maintain a straight path.
• Loose or vague steering feel: The steering wheel might feel less responsive or have excessive play before the wheels react.
• Uneven tire wear: Tires, especially the front ones, may show premature or irregular wear patterns (e.g., feathering, cupping) due to constant scrubbing.
• Steering wheel off-center: Even when driving straight, the steering wheel might not be perfectly centered.
• Vibrations through the steering wheel: While not always present, vibrations can sometimes accompany steering issues, especially if related to tires or suspension.

What is different on this year and model

The 2017 Ford Explorer utilizes an Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, rather than a traditional hydraulic setup. This system offers fuel efficiency benefits and variable assist, but it also introduces specific potential failure points. Issues with the EPAS motor, steering gear, or the associated control module can directly lead to steering pull or wander that might not be present in older, hydraulically-steered vehicles. Additionally, the Explorer's independent suspension design, while offering a comfortable ride, has multiple components that can wear and affect alignment over time.

How to verify and confirm the issue

Verifying a steering pull or wander involves a combination of practical tests and visual inspections:

• Road Test: Find a safe, level, and straight road with minimal traffic. Briefly release the steering wheel (while maintaining full control) to observe if the vehicle consistently drifts. Note if the pull is always in the same direction.
• Tire Inspection: Visually inspect all four tires for signs of uneven wear, low pressure, or damage. Check tire pressure with a reliable gauge, ensuring they match the manufacturer's recommendations (found on the door jamb sticker).
• Suspension Check: With the vehicle safely supported on jack stands, visually inspect suspension components like control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links for excessive play, cracks, or damage. Gently try to move wheels side-to-side and top-to-bottom to check for play.
• Alignment Check: A professional alignment shop can put your 2017 Explorer on an alignment rack to measure camber, caster, and toe angles. Misalignment is a very common cause of steering pull.
• Steering System Inspection: Check for leaks (if any hydraulic components are present, though EPAS is electric), loose connections, or damaged components within the steering rack or column.

Common causes (most likely first)

Several factors can contribute to a steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Explorer:

• Wheel Alignment Issues: Incorrect toe, camber, or caster angles are the most frequent culprits. Even a minor bump can throw off alignment.
• Uneven Tire Pressure: Significantly different tire pressures between sides can cause a noticeable pull.
• Worn or Damaged Tires: Unevenly worn tires, a separated tire belt, or different tire sizes/brands can lead to steering instability.
• Worn Suspension Components:
  • Ball joints: Excessive play can cause wander.
  • Control arm bushings: Degraded bushings allow too much movement.
  • Tie rod ends: Loose inner or outer tie rod ends affect steering precision.
  • Wheel bearings: Worn bearings can introduce play and affect tracking.
• Damaged Steering Components:
  • Steering rack/gearbox: Internal wear or damage can cause play or binding.
  • Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) System: Malfunctions in the EPAS motor or control module can lead to inconsistent assist or a pull. This is a specific concern for the 2017 Explorer.
• Brake Issues: A dragging brake caliper can cause a pull to one side, especially noticeable when applying the brakes.

Related guides on this vehicle

• Steering Wheel Shakes or Vibrates at Highway Speed 2017 Toyota Corolla
• 2020 Ford F-150 Transmission Jerking: Causes & Fixes
• 2012 Ford Explorer XLT: Post Water Pump Issues & Dead Battery Fix

Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Diagnosing and fixing a steering pull or wander often follows a logical progression:

1. Check Tire Pressure and Condition: Start with the simplest. Ensure all tires are inflated correctly and inspect them thoroughly for wear or damage. Rotate tires to see if the pull changes sides.
2. Visual Suspension Inspection: With the vehicle raised, carefully inspect all suspension and steering components for visible wear, looseness, or damage. Pay close attention to bushings and joints.
3. Wheel Bearing Check: Test for play in the wheel bearings by grabbing the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and trying to rock it.
4. Professional Alignment: If initial checks don't reveal obvious issues, a professional wheel alignment is crucial. Ensure the shop can properly calibrate the EPAS system after alignment if necessary.
5. Steering System Diagnostics: If alignment and suspension are confirmed good, focus on the steering rack and EPAS system. This may require specialized diagnostic tools to check the EPAS module for fault codes or sensor readings.
6. Brake System Check: Inspect calipers, rotors, and pads for signs of sticking or uneven wear that could cause a pull.

For more in-depth troubleshooting guides for various vehicle systems, you can explore All repair guides on our site.

Repair options and cost factors

The cost to address a steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Explorer varies significantly based on the root cause:

• Tire-related issues: Can range from free (adjusting pressure) to hundreds of dollars (replacing one or more tires).
• Wheel Alignment: Typically costs between $80 and $150, but may be higher if specialized equipment or adjustments are needed for the EPAS system.
• Suspension Component Replacement:
  • Ball joints or tie rod ends: $150 - $400 per component, including parts and labor.
  • Control arm bushings: Often replaced with the entire control arm, ranging from $200 - $600 per side.
• Steering Rack/EPAS System: This can be the most expensive repair. A replacement EPAS steering gear assembly can cost well over $1,000 for parts alone, plus significant labor for installation and calibration.
• Brake Caliper Replacement: $200 - $500 per wheel, including parts and labor.

Cost factors include the specific part's price, labor rates in your area, and whether additional components need replacement due to wear or damage.

When to see a professional

While some basic checks can be done at home, it's highly recommended to see a professional technician for a steering pull or wander if:

• You cannot identify the cause after basic checks.
• The issue persists after tire adjustments or rotation.
• You suspect worn suspension or steering components.
• The vehicle has an Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system issue, which requires specialized diagnostic tools and expertise.
• You are uncomfortable performing detailed inspections or repairs yourself.

Steering and suspension components are critical for vehicle safety, and improper diagnosis or repair can have severe consequences. If you're considering other vehicles or want to learn more about different models, feel free to Browse vehicles on our platform.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my 2017 Ford Explorer pull to one side after an alignment?

If your 2017 Ford Explorer still pulls after a professional alignment, it could be due to a few reasons. The alignment might have been performed incorrectly, or there could be a worn suspension component that wasn't identified during the initial inspection, such as a weak spring or a failing bushing that only shows play under load. Tire issues like a separated belt can also cause a pull even with perfect alignment.

Can tire pressure cause my 2017 Explorer to wander?

Yes, incorrect tire pressure is a very common and easily overlooked cause of vehicle wander or pull. If one tire, especially a front tire, has significantly lower pressure than the others, it will have a smaller rolling radius and greater contact patch, effectively causing the vehicle to pull towards that side. Always ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

How often should I have my 2017 Ford Explorer's alignment checked?

It's generally recommended to have your 2017 Ford Explorer's wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 10,000-15,000 miles. You should also have it checked after any significant suspension or steering component replacement, after hitting a large pothole or curb, or if you notice any signs of uneven tire wear or steering problems like a pull or wander.

Sources and further reading

Consult your 2017 Ford Explorer owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Ford can also provide insights into known issues for your model year.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; always use a qualified technician for safety-critical work.

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