# 2020 Ford Explorer Steering Pull or Wander Diagnosis

> ClearTheCode — Experiencing steering pull or wander in your 2020 Ford Explorer? Learn common causes, how to diagnose the issue, and find effective solutions to restore straight-line driving.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/symptom-steering-pull-wander-ford-explorer-2020
Author: ClearTheCode

# Steering pull or wander 2020 Ford Explorer

Is your 2020 Ford Explorer constantly drifting off its intended line, requiring you to make continuous steering corrections? This frustrating issue, commonly known as steering pull or wander, can make driving tiresome and even unsafe. Whether it's a subtle drift or a noticeable tug to one side, understanding the underlying causes is key to restoring your Explorer's stable and predictable handling.

## What drivers notice on this 2020 Ford Explorer

Drivers of the 2020 Ford Explorer often describe a feeling of instability or a lack of confidence in the vehicle's straight-line tracking. This isn't just an annoyance; it can impact driving comfort and safety, especially on highways or during long trips. The vehicle might feel 'loose' or 'floaty,' demanding constant small adjustments to keep it centered in the lane. This behavior is distinct from a sharp, sudden pull, often indicating a more gradual degradation of steering or suspension components.

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

- **Difficulty Rating:** 8/10 — Moderate to advanced
- **Common Symptoms:** Constant steering corrections: You find yourself making frequent, small adjustments to the steering wheel to keep the ve; Vehicle drifts to one side: Without steering input, the Explorer slowly moves off its intended path.; Uneven tire wear: Scalloping, feathering, or excessive wear on one side of the tire tread can indicate alignment or susp; Loose or vague steering feel: The steering wheel may feel less responsive or have excessive play before the wheels react
- **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

When your 2020 Ford Explorer exhibits a steering pull or wander, you might observe several key symptoms:

-   **Constant steering corrections:** You find yourself making frequent, small adjustments to the steering wheel to keep the vehicle driving straight.
-   **Vehicle drifts to one side:** Without steering input, the Explorer slowly moves off its intended path.
-   **Uneven tire wear:** Scalloping, feathering, or excessive wear on one side of the tire tread can indicate alignment or suspension issues.
-   **Loose or vague steering feel:** The steering wheel may feel less responsive or have excessive play before the wheels react.
-   **Steering wheel off-center:** Even when driving straight, the steering wheel might not be perfectly centered.
-   **Vehicle feels 'floaty' or unstable:** Especially at higher speeds, the Explorer might feel like it's wandering within the lane.
-   **Noise from the suspension:** Clunking, squeaking, or groaning sounds, particularly over bumps or during turns, can point to worn suspension components.

## How to verify and confirm the issue

Confirming a steering pull or wander in your 2020 Ford Explorer involves a combination of visual inspections, practical driving tests, and potentially professional diagnostic tools.

-   **Straight-line driving test:** Find a safe, flat, and empty road. Drive at a moderate speed and briefly release the steering wheel (while maintaining control). Observe if the vehicle consistently drifts to one side. Repeat in both directions on a crowned road to rule out road crown influence.
-   **Tire inspection:** Visually inspect all four tires for uneven wear patterns. Check tire pressure on all tires, ensuring they match the manufacturer's specifications found on the driver's side door jamb placard. Incorrect or uneven tire pressure is a common, easy-to-fix cause.
-   **Suspension and steering component visual check:** With the vehicle safely raised on a lift or jack stands, visually inspect components like tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock absorbers for signs of wear, looseness, or damage. Look for torn boots, excessive play, or fluid leaks.
-   **Wheel bearing check:** Grasp the top and bottom of each wheel and try to rock it. Any significant play could indicate a worn wheel bearing.
-   **Alignment check:** A professional four-wheel alignment is crucial. Even if no components are visibly damaged, incorrect alignment angles (caster, camber, toe) can cause pull or wander. A printout from an alignment machine will detail these angles.
-   **Scan tool (for electric power steering - EPS):** While less common for a simple pull, an advanced scan tool can check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system or the steering angle sensor. Live data can also show steering angle input, which should be zero when driving straight.

## Common causes (most likely first)

The causes of a steering pull or wander in a 2020 Ford Explorer can range from simple adjustments to more involved component replacements:

-   **Tire issues:**
    -   **Uneven tire pressure:** The most common and easiest fix. Low pressure on one side can cause a pull.
    -   **Worn or mismatched tires:** Different tread depths or tire types can cause instability.
    -   **Radial tire pull:** A defect within a tire's construction can cause a persistent pull, even if pressure and wear are even. Rotating tires can help diagnose this.
-   **Wheel alignment:**
    -   Incorrect toe, camber, or caster settings. Even slight deviations can lead to wandering or pulling.
    -   An impact (pothole, curb) can knock alignment out of spec.
-   **Worn or damaged suspension components:**
    -   **Ball joints:** Excessive play in upper or lower ball joints.
    -   **Tie rod ends:** Worn inner or outer tie rod ends introduce play into the steering.
    -   **Control arm bushings:** Degraded or torn bushings allow excessive movement of the control arm.
    -   **Sway bar links or bushings:** While primarily affecting body roll, severe wear can contribute to a loose feel.
    -   **Worn wheel bearings:** Can cause play and instability.
    -   **Damaged shocks or struts:** Compromised dampening can lead to a 'floaty' feel.
-   **Steering system issues:**
    -   **Steering rack play:** Internal wear in the steering rack can cause excessive play.
    -   **Electric Power Steering (EPS) system malfunction:** While less common for a consistent pull, an EPS module or sensor issue could manifest as unpredictable steering behavior.
-   **Brake drag:** A sticking brake caliper on one side can cause a pull. Check for excessive heat at the wheel after driving.

### Related guides on this vehicle

- [2020 RAV4 Hybrid System Warning Light Diagnosis](/articles/hybrid-battery-warning-toyota-rav4-2020)
- [2020 Ford F-150 Transmission Jerking: Causes & Fixes](/articles/harsh-transmission-shifting-ford-f-150-2020)
- [2012 Ford Explorer XLT: Post Water Pump Issues & Dead Battery Fix](/articles/2012-ford-explorer-xlt-timing-water-pump-dead-battery)

## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Addressing a steering pull or wander typically follows a logical progression:

1.  **Check tire pressure:** Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. This is the simplest and often overlooked first step.
2.  **Inspect tires:** Look for signs of uneven wear, bulges, or damage. If you suspect a radial pull, try rotating the front tires side-to-side (if non-directional) or front-to-rear to see if the pull changes or moves.
3.  **Visual suspension inspection:** With the vehicle safely supported, inspect all visible steering and suspension components for wear, looseness, or damage. Pay close attention to boots on ball joints and tie rod ends. For detailed guides on suspension components, see our All repair guides.
4.  **Perform a professional alignment:** If tire pressure and visual inspections don't reveal an obvious cause, a four-wheel alignment is the next critical step. This will identify if any angles are out of specification.
5.  **Address worn components:** If the alignment shop identifies worn ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, or other components, these must be replaced before a proper alignment can be performed.
6.  **Check for brake drag:** Lift the vehicle and spin each wheel by hand to check for resistance. If a wheel is hard to turn, a sticking caliper or brake component may be the culprit.
7.  **Inspect steering rack:** If all other components are sound, and a pull or wander persists, the steering rack might have internal play or an issue. This often requires professional diagnosis.

## Repair options and cost factors

Repairing a steering pull or wander on your 2020 Ford Explorer can vary widely in scope and cost:

-   **Tire-related issues:**
    -   **Tire pressure adjustment:** Free.
    -   **Tire rotation:** $20-$50.
    -   **New tires:** $150-$300+ per tire, plus mounting and balancing.
-   **Wheel alignment:** $100-$200 for a four-wheel alignment. This is often a diagnostic step as well as a repair.
-   **Suspension component replacement:**
    -   **Tie rod ends (inner/outer):** Parts $50-$150 each; labor $100-$250 per side (requires alignment afterward).
    -   **Ball joints:** Parts $70-$200 each; labor $150-$400 per side (requires alignment afterward).
    -   **Control arm bushings (or full control arm):** Bushings $30-$100 each; full control arm $100-$300 each; labor $150-$400 per arm (requires alignment afterward).
    -   **Shocks/Struts:** Parts $100-$300 each; labor $200-$500 per axle (may require alignment).
-   **Steering rack replacement:** Parts $500-$1500+; labor $400-$800+ (requires alignment afterward).

Costs can fluctuate based on parts availability, regional labor rates, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket components. Always factor in the cost of a post-repair alignment for any steering or suspension work.

## When to see a professional

While some initial checks like tire pressure can be done at home, it's advisable to consult a professional technician for your 2020 Ford Explorer if:

-   The problem persists after checking tire pressure and performing a visual inspection.
-   You notice significant play in steering or suspension components.
-   You hear unusual noises from the suspension or steering.
-   The steering pull or wander is sudden, severe, or affects your ability to safely control the vehicle.
-   An alignment is needed, as specialized equipment is required.
-   You suspect issues with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system or internal steering rack components, which often require specialized diagnostic tools and expertise.

For more information on various vehicle issues, you can always [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) and their common problems.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my 2020 Ford Explorer pull to one side?

A 2020 Ford Explorer pulling to one side is most commonly caused by uneven tire pressure, a misaligned suspension, or worn suspension components like ball joints or tie rod ends. Less frequently, a defective tire itself or a sticking brake caliper could be the culprit, creating an imbalance that forces the vehicle off-center.

### Can tire pressure cause my Explorer to wander?

Yes, incorrect or uneven tire pressure is a very common cause of a vehicle wandering or pulling to one side. If one tire has significantly lower pressure than the others, it will have a smaller rolling radius and greater rolling resistance, causing the vehicle to pull towards that side. Always check your tire pressures regularly, especially if you notice a change in handling.

### How often should I get an alignment on my 2020 Ford Explorer?

It's generally recommended to get a wheel alignment check at least once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you should get an alignment immediately after replacing any steering or suspension components, hitting a large pothole or curb, or if you notice any symptoms of a steering pull or wander in your 2020 Ford Explorer.

## Sources and further reading

-   Ford Motor Company Owner's Manual for 2020 Ford Explorer
-   Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification training materials
-   Manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for 2020 Ford Explorer (check with a Ford dealership or service information system)

This information is for general guidance and 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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