# Steering Pull or Wander — Cost 2017 Ford Fusion

> ClearTheCode — Experiencing steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion? Discover common causes, symptoms, and how to diagnose this frustrating issue to restore confident driving.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/symptom-steering-pull-wander-cost-ford-fusion-2017
Author: ClearTheCode

# Steering pull or wander — cost 2017 Ford Fusion

Few things are as unsettling on the road as a vehicle that won't hold a straight line. If your 2017 Ford Fusion is exhibiting a persistent steering pull or wander, requiring constant small corrections to stay in your lane, it's not only annoying but can also be a significant safety concern. This issue means your Fusion drifts off course without direct steering input, making long drives tiring and potentially dangerous. Understanding the root causes and how to address them is crucial for restoring your driving confidence and the safety of your vehicle.

## What drivers notice on this 2017 Ford Fusion

Drivers of a 2017 Ford Fusion experiencing a steering pull or wander will typically notice a distinct sensation that the car is not tracking straight. Instead of maintaining a consistent path, the vehicle will gradually veer to the left or right, even on a flat, level road. This forces the driver to continuously apply slight steering input to counteract the drift, leading to a fatiguing driving experience. The steering might feel less precise, or you might find yourself constantly fighting the wheel to keep the car centered in its lane. This behavior can be particularly pronounced at highway speeds or when driving into crosswinds, but it can also be noticeable during city driving.

## 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 your Fusion consistently pulls left or right without steerin; Constant steering corrections: You find yourself making frequent, small adjustments to the steering wheel to keep the ca; Uneven tire wear: Tires on one side or specific tires (e.g., outer edges) show significantly more wear than others.; Steering wheel off-center: When driving straight, the steering wheel is not perfectly horizontal or centered.
- **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

Identifying the specific symptoms associated with your 2017 Ford Fusion's steering pull or wander can help narrow down the potential causes. Pay close attention to these indicators:

-   **Vehicle drifts to one side:** The most obvious symptom, where your Fusion consistently pulls left or right without steering input.
-   **Constant steering corrections:** You find yourself making frequent, small adjustments to the steering wheel to keep the car going straight.
-   **Uneven tire wear:** Tires on one side or specific tires (e.g., outer edges) show significantly more wear than others.
-   **Steering wheel off-center:** When driving straight, the steering wheel is not perfectly horizontal or centered.
-   **Loose or vague steering feel:** The steering may feel less responsive or have excessive play, making it harder to control.
-   **Vibrations through the steering wheel:** While not always present, vibrations can indicate tire or suspension issues contributing to the pull.
-   **Pulling during braking:** If the car pulls sharply to one side only when you apply the brakes, it points to a brake system issue.
-   **Noises from suspension:** Clunking, squeaking, or groaning sounds, especially over bumps, can signal worn suspension components.

## How to verify and confirm the issue

To accurately diagnose the steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion, a systematic approach is best. Start with these practical checks and observations:

-   **Road test:** Find a flat, straight, and safe road. Briefly release the steering wheel (ensuring you can quickly regain control) and observe if the car consistently drifts to one side. Note if the pull changes with speed or road surface.
-   **Tire inspection:** Visually inspect all four tires. Check for:
    -   **Inflation pressure:** Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb).
    -   **Uneven wear patterns:** Look for feathering, cupping, or excessive wear on one side of the tread.
    -   **Damage:** Inspect for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects.
    -   **Tire swapping:** If you suspect a tire issue, try swapping the front tires side-to-side (if they are non-directional) to see if the pull shifts or disappears.
-   **Visual suspension and steering check:** With the car safely lifted, inspect visible steering and suspension components for:
    -   **Worn bushings:** Look for cracked or deteriorated rubber bushings on control arms, sway bar links, and strut mounts.
    -   **Loose tie rod ends:** Grab the tie rod and try to move it; any play indicates wear.
    -   **Ball joint play:** Use a pry bar to check for vertical or horizontal play in the ball joints.
    -   **Leaking shocks/struts:** Look for fluid leaks on the shock or strut bodies.
-   **Brake system check:** Inspect brake calipers for sticking or uneven pad wear, which can cause a pull during braking. A dragging caliper can also cause a constant pull.
-   **Professional alignment check:** Even if components appear fine, an alignment machine can precisely measure toe, camber, and caster angles. These measurements are critical for identifying alignment issues that cause a pull.

## Common causes (most likely first)

Several factors can contribute to a steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion. Here are the most common culprits, generally listed from most to least frequent:

-   **Wheel alignment issues:** This is by far the most common cause. Incorrect toe, camber, or caster angles can cause the vehicle to constantly pull to one side. Even a minor bump can throw off alignment.
-   **Tire problems:**
    -   **Uneven tire pressure:** A significant difference in pressure between tires can cause a pull.
    -   **Worn or defective tires:** Unevenly worn tires, a separated belt inside a tire, or a manufacturing defect can lead to a pull.
    -   **Tire conicity:** A slight manufacturing defect where the tire is not perfectly round, causing it to roll like a cone.
-   **Worn suspension components:** Over time, components like ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, or wheel bearings can wear out, introducing play that affects steering stability and alignment.
-   **Steering system issues:** Problems with the power steering system (electric power steering motor in the Fusion), steering rack and pinion, or steering column can lead to a wandering feel.
-   **Brake system problems:** A sticking brake caliper or unevenly worn brake pads can cause the vehicle to pull, especially under braking, but sometimes even when not braking if the caliper is constantly dragging.
-   **Damaged chassis components:** In rare cases, damage from an accident or severe impact can bend frame components, leading to a persistent pull that's difficult to correct with standard alignment.

### Related guides on this vehicle

- [2012-2014 Ford Fusion Misfire or Hesitation Under Load — Fix](/articles/symptom-misfire-hesitation-under-load-fix-ford-fusion-2012-2014)
- [Steering Wheel Shakes or Vibrates at Highway Speed 2017 Toyota Corolla](/articles/steering-wheel-shakes-at-highway-speed-toyota-corolla-2017)

## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Diagnosing and fixing a steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion typically involves a systematic approach. While some steps are DIY-friendly, others require specialized tools or expertise.

1.  **Check tire pressure and condition:**
    -   Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended PSI. Correct any discrepancies.
    -   Inspect tires for visible damage or abnormal wear patterns. If a tire appears problematic, try rotating it or swapping it with another to see if the pull changes.
2.  **Inspect suspension components:**
    -   Safely lift the vehicle. Visually inspect control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links for wear, cracks, or excessive play. Use a pry bar to gently test for movement where there shouldn't be any.
    -   Check for fluid leaks on shocks or struts.
3.  **Inspect steering components:**
    -   With the vehicle lifted, have a helper gently turn the steering wheel back and forth while you observe the steering rack, tie rod ends, and steering shaft for any excessive play or binding.
4.  **Check brake system:**
    -   Inspect brake calipers for sticking. Look for uneven pad wear or excessive heat on one wheel after a drive, which could indicate a dragging caliper.
5.  **Professional wheel alignment:**
    -   If all other components appear to be in good condition, a professional alignment is the next critical step. An alignment shop will use specialized equipment to measure and adjust the toe, camber, and caster angles to factory specifications. This is often the most effective fix for a persistent pull.
    -   You can find more detailed information on various repair guides, including those related to suspension and steering issues, at All repair guides.

## Repair options and cost factors

The repair options for a steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion depend entirely on the identified cause. Each solution comes with its own set of parts and labor considerations:

-   **Wheel alignment:** If only an adjustment is needed, this is typically the most straightforward and least expensive repair.
-   **Tire repair/replacement:** If a tire is the culprit, rotation might solve a minor issue, but a severely worn or damaged tire will require replacement. Costs vary significantly based on tire brand and type.
-   **Suspension component replacement:**
    -   **Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings:** These are common wear items. Replacing them involves parts cost plus labor, which can be moderate depending on accessibility.
    -   **Shocks/struts:** If worn or leaking, replacing these can improve stability and ride quality, but it's a more significant repair.
-   **Steering system repair:** Issues with the electric power steering motor or the steering rack itself are generally more complex and costly to repair, often requiring specialized tools and expertise.
-   **Brake caliper service/replacement:** A sticking caliper might be freed with service, but often requires replacement, along with new pads and possibly rotors if damage has occurred.

Cost factors include the price of parts (OEM vs. aftermarket), labor rates at your chosen shop, and the complexity of the repair. Early diagnosis can often prevent more extensive and expensive repairs down the line. For more information on maintaining your vehicle, you can always [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) to find specific models and their common issues.

## When to see a professional

While some initial checks can be performed by a DIY owner, there are clear instances when professional assistance is necessary for your 2017 Ford Fusion's steering pull or wander:

-   **Persistent pull after basic checks:** If you've checked tire pressure, rotated tires, and performed a visual inspection without resolving the issue, it's time for an expert.
-   **Unusual noises or vibrations:** Any clunking, grinding, or severe vibrations from the steering or suspension area warrant immediate professional attention, as they could indicate a critical failure.
-   **Lack of specialized tools:** Diagnosing and correcting alignment issues, replacing pressed-in bushings, or working on complex steering rack components requires specialized tools and diagnostic equipment that most DIY enthusiasts don't possess.
-   **Safety concerns:** If the steering pull is severe, intermittent, or makes you feel unsafe driving the vehicle, do not hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic. Steering and suspension are critical safety systems.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a tire issue cause my 2017 Ford Fusion to pull to one side?

Absolutely, tire-related problems are a very common cause of a steering pull. This includes issues like uneven tire pressure, significant differences in tread wear between tires, a damaged tire (such as a separated belt), or even a manufacturing defect called conicity where the tire is not perfectly round. Swapping front tires side-to-side can often help determine if a tire is the primary culprit.

### How often should I check my 2017 Ford Fusion's alignment if it's pulling?

If your 2017 Ford Fusion is actively pulling, you should have the alignment checked as soon as possible, regardless of how recently it was last done. Generally, it's recommended to have your alignment checked annually or every 10,000-15,000 miles, and always after hitting a significant pothole, curb, or after replacing steering or suspension components. A regular check can prevent premature tire wear and maintain safe handling.

### Is it safe to drive my 2017 Ford Fusion with a steering pull?

Driving with a persistent steering pull or wander in your 2017 Ford Fusion is generally not safe and should be addressed promptly. It increases driver fatigue, reduces your ability to react quickly in an emergency, and can lead to uneven and premature tire wear, potentially causing a blowout. The underlying cause of the pull could also be a worn safety-critical component that might fail unexpectedly, so professional diagnosis is highly recommended.

## Sources and further reading

For more in-depth technical specifications and detailed repair procedures for your 2017 Ford Fusion, consult the official Ford service manuals and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Many automotive forums and reputable repair guides also offer valuable insights into common issues specific to the Ford Fusion platform.

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

## Related pages
- All repair guides
- [Browse vehicles](/vehicles)

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