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Ford Escape driver side lean

14 messages,  Last post on Jul 27, 2010 at 2:37 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, Suspension, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 14 Re: Ford Escape driver side lean [jeffp_032056] by jeffp_032056

May 07, 2009 (8:06 am)

Replying to: jeffp_032056 (May 05, 2009 9:26 am)
Problem fixed. Got a Ford engineer involved and found out the following:
 
All Escapes could have this problem. Somewhere along the assembly line they are supposed to be checked and if the problem is found they are supposed to be corrected but a lot of them are getting through for whatever reason.
 
The reason there is no TSB's on this is that not enough people have complained about the problem.
 
The fix is to insert shims in the rear between the sub-frame and the suspension. This is what Ford does to fix the problem on the assembly line.

#8 of 14 Problem not fixed by jeffp_032056

Jun 17, 2009 (4:57 am)

Update... Problem not fixed.
 
After working with my dealer on this problem I've found the following:
 
1) In my case it's not possible to shim the body both front and rear enough to solve the problem. For example, if you try placing enough shims to solve the lean on top of the front strut you'll run out of threads on the strut bolts.
 
2) In the rear you've basically got to double the shims for the amount of lean. For example, if you've got a 1/2" lean you've got to place 1" of shims between the rear sub-frame and body.
 
3) I've found that my '08 Escape is not a rare occurence of this problem. I've gone to 2 dealers and found that the first dealer had six '09 Escape's on his lot. I got out my tape measure and found that every one of them had the lean, from 1/4" to 3/4". I went to the second dealer which had three '09 Escapes, got out the tape and all of them had the lean also. I also called my son who lives in NY and had him measure his '09. He's got a lean.
 
WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?????? From what I've found I can only assume Ford is sending the Escape from the factory with this "defect".

#9 of 14 Re: Problem not fixed [jeffp_032056] by randomdecoy

Nov 19, 2009 (11:07 pm)

Replying to: jeffp_032056 (Jun 17, 2009 4:57 am)
Jeff,
I own two Escape's; 2009 Limited 4x4 and 2010 XLT FWD hear in St Louis MO USA. Both have this exact condition. The 2009 is about 3/4" lower at the rear above the wheel on driver side, while the 2010 is about 1/2" lower at the same location. Tires are inflated same, no detectable damage found so far to either Escape.
 
Took 2009 to dealer, somehow their ruler reads 5/16" difference between left to right in the rear...which they say that Ford states is within mfg specs.
 
My ruler still reads around 3/4" difference on the 2009.

#10 of 14 Re: Problem not fixed [randomdecoy] by jeffp_032056

Nov 20, 2009 (6:10 am)

Replying to: randomdecoy (Nov 19, 2009 11:07 pm)
Yes, hard to believe there's an allowance for acceptable body lean. I've seen so many with this lean that I can't understand how they are being shipped out this way and that Ford is ignoring the problem. I saw one not too long ago on a dealers lot that had to have a lean of at least 1 1/2 inch.
 
I've not been able to get this problem fixed/solved so the best of luck to you on it.

#11 of 14 Re: Ford Escape driver side lean [jeffp_032056] by pdmclay

May 15, 2010 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: jeffp_032056 (May 05, 2009 9:26 am)
If you are on a country road, does it sit level? A slight lean to the left eliminates a constant need to to steer to the left, combating the angle of drainage for roads, thus saving your tires and your power steering.

#12 of 14 Re: Ford Escape driver side lean [pdmclay] by davicho

May 17, 2010 (7:39 am)

Replying to: pdmclay (May 15, 2010 7:15 pm)
LMAO!
 
No excuse for a poorly manufactured vehicle. No car should have a lean on purpose!

#13 of 14 Re: Ford Escape driver side lean [pdmclay] by bdyment

May 17, 2010 (12:23 pm)

Replying to: pdmclay (May 15, 2010 7:15 pm)
No road car is designed to lean one way or the other. Should be level. If it leans something is wrong.

#14 of 14 Re: Ford Escape driver side lean [bdyment] by komondor4

Jul 27, 2010 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: bdyment (May 17, 2010 12:23 pm)
Funny I noticed mine was looking a little low on the left but did not think much of it!
Will now need to measure in the garage and see how low it is!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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