Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
2016 Ford Escape Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering and rear suspension of the 2016 Ford Escape. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your Escape, down to the side and position.
2016 Ford Escape FWD and AWD Suspension Diagram (Full Vehicle)
2016 Ford Escape FWD and AWD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2016 Ford Escape FWD and AWD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 2013 to 2019 Escape uses MacPherson struts at the front, with the coil spring on the strut and an L shaped lower control arm under each corner. The steering rack sits behind the front axle and the front sway bar runs across the rear of the front cradle with long links up to the struts. The rear is a multi-link design on its own subframe: a wide lower arm behind the axle carries the coil spring, a short dog bone link sits ahead of the axle, an arched upper arm sits on top, and a flat trailing arm runs forward to the body. The rear shocks are separate from the springs. All wheel drive models add a rear drive unit and two rear halfshafts, marked on the rear view.
We carry replacement parts for 29 of the 37 components on this diagram, 85 parts in all. See every part for the 2016 Ford Escape.
Packages and kits
Strut and Shock Sets
Front struts and rear shocks for the whole vehicle in one order.
Complete Strut Assemblies
A strut with its spring, mount and boot already assembled, so no spring compressor is needed.
Front Suspension
1 Front Strut (driver and passenger side)
The strut is the shock absorber and the upper locating part of the front corner in one. Its tube sits in a split collar at the top of the knuckle, clamped by one pinch bolt, the coil spring sits on it, and its top bolts into the strut tower.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive under braking, fluid on the tube, or a knock from the top of the strut over rough roads.
Tip: Struts are sold bare or as a complete assembly with the spring and mount already fitted. The complete assembly needs no spring compressor.
2 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The front coil spring sits on a seat on the strut tube and pushes up against the top mount. It carries the weight of the front of the vehicle.
Signs of wear: A front corner sitting lower than the other, a broken coil end, or a clunk when turning the wheel at a stop.
Tip: Replace springs in pairs so both sides sit at the same height.
3 Front Strut Mount (driver and passenger side)
The strut mount is the rubber and bearing block at the top of the strut. Three bolts hold it to the strut tower, and its bearing lets the strut turn with the steering.
Signs of wear: Clunks or creaks from the top of the strut when steering at low speed, or a steering wheel that does not return to center.
Tip: The mount is often replaced along with the strut, since the strut has to come out either way.
4 Front Strut Bellows and Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bellows covers the strut rod to keep grit off its seal, and the bump stop inside it cushions the strut at full compression. The spring hides it in the assembled view; the exploded view shows it.
Signs of wear: A torn or missing boot, a rusty or scored strut rod, or a hard bang over big bumps.
Tip: Fit a new boot and bump stop whenever the strut is replaced.
See all Front Shock Bellows Boot Kit parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
5 Front Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
An L shaped stamped steel arm. The ball joint at its outer end carries the knuckle, a short front leg pivots on a bushing at the front of the cradle, and a long rear leg ends in a large bushing held in a housing that bolts up under the cradle.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, steering that wanders under braking, cracked or torn bushings, or play in the ball joint.
Tip: Left and right arms are different parts. Most replacement arms come with the ball joint and bushings already fitted.
6 Front Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Each lower arm has two bushings: a small one in the front leg, on a bolt that runs front to back, and a large one at the end of the rear leg, inside its housing.
Signs of wear: Clunks when braking or pulling away, a vague steering feel, or rubber that is cracked or pushed out of its housing.
Tip: Front and rear bushings are different parts. Some rear bushings come with a new housing.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
7 Front Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint bolts to the outer end of the lower arm with three bolts. Its stud points up into the bottom of the knuckle, where a pinch bolt clamps it.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a loose feel in the front end, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: Left and right joints are listed separately. The joint can be bolted in on its own, or bought already fitted in a new arm.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
8 Front Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle carries the hub bearing and the brake caliper. The strut clamps into its top, the ball joint sits in its bottom, and its rear arm takes the outer tie rod end.
Signs of wear: Knuckles rarely wear out. A bent knuckle after a curb strike shows as a pull or a crooked steering wheel that an alignment will not fix.
Tip: Complete knuckle assemblies come with the bearing and hub already pressed in.
See all Front Lowering Spindles parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
9 Front Sway Bar
The front sway bar runs across the rear of the front cradle. Long links join its ends to the struts, so it twists when one side moves more than the other and keeps the vehicle flatter in turns.
Signs of wear: Body roll in turns that feels worse than it used to, usually from worn links or bushings rather than the bar.
Tip: Check the bar diameter before ordering bushings. The stock front bar is 23 mm.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
10 Front Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber bushings in steel clamps hold the front bar to the cradle.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or knocks from the front over speed bumps, or a bar that moves in its clamps.
Tip: Bushings fit one bar diameter only.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
11 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A long link with a ball stud at each end. The top bolts to a tab on the strut tube and the bottom to the end of the sway bar.
Signs of wear: A rattle or knock from the front over small bumps, or a link that moves by hand.
Tip: The same link fits both sides. Replace them in pairs.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
Steering
12 Steering Rack and Boots
The electric power steering rack sits behind the front axle on the rear of the cradle. Rubber boots at each end keep dirt off the inner tie rod joints.
Signs of wear: A torn boot, a clunk felt in the steering wheel, or a knock over bumps from the rack mounts.
Tip: Replace a torn boot quickly, before grit reaches the inner tie rod.
We don't carry a steering rack and boots for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
13 Inner Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The inner tie rod screws onto the end of the rack inside the boot. Its ball joint lets the rod swing as the suspension moves.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, a clunk when turning, or uneven tire wear.
Tip: The same inner rod fits both sides. An alignment is needed after replacing a tie rod.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
14 Outer Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The outer tie rod end threads onto the inner rod. Its stud goes into the steering arm at the rear of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, a knock over bumps, a torn boot, or tires wearing on the edges.
Tip: Left and right ends are different parts. Count the turns when unscrewing the old one to keep the toe close until the alignment.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
Driveline
15 Front CV Axle (driver and passenger side)
Each front wheel is driven by a CV axle from the transaxle, with a plunging joint at the inner end, a fixed joint at the hub, and a rubber boot over each joint.
Signs of wear: Clicking while turning, a vibration under power, or grease thrown around the inside of the wheel from a split boot.
Tip: The passenger side axle differs between front wheel drive and all wheel drive models, so check the drive type.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
16 Rear Drive Unit (AWD) Not on every vehicle
On all wheel drive models a driveshaft from the front carries power back to a rear drive unit on the rear subframe, which drives the rear halfshafts.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted only to all wheel drive Escapes. Front wheel drive cars have no rear drive unit or rear halfshafts.
Signs of wear: A whine, shudder or clunk from the rear on all wheel drive models.
We don't carry a rear drive unit (awd) for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
17 Rear Halfshaft (AWD) (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
On all wheel drive models a short halfshaft runs from the rear drive unit to each rear hub, between the front and rear lower arms.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted only to all wheel drive Escapes. Front wheel drive cars have no rear drive unit or rear halfshafts.
Signs of wear: Clicking or a vibration from the rear under power, or grease from a split boot.
We don't carry a rear halfshaft (awd) for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Rear Suspension
26 Rear Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The rear knuckle carries the hub. The lower arms, the upper arm, the trailing arm and the shock all attach to it.
Signs of wear: Knuckles rarely wear out, but the bushings in the arms that hold them do.
We don't carry a rear knuckle for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
27 Rear Lower Control Arm (Spring Arm) (driver and passenger side)
The wide lower arm behind the axle. Its inner end bolts to the rear of the subframe, the coil spring sits in a pocket in it, and its outer end bolts to the knuckle through a bushing.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear over bumps, rust around the spring pocket, or a torn outer bushing.
Tip: The spring has to be held with a jack or compressor before the arm is unbolted.
28 Rear Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The rear coil spring stands in the pocket of the spring arm and pushes up against the body. The shock is separate.
Signs of wear: A rear corner sitting low, or a broken coil end.
Tip: Replace springs in pairs.
We don't carry a rear coil spring for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
29 Rear Lower Forward Arm (Dog Bone) (driver and passenger side)
A short straight link ahead of the axle, from a bushing at the subframe's front cross member to a bushing at the knuckle. Ford calls it the rear suspension front lower arm, or dog bone.
Signs of wear: Rear tires wearing on the edges, or a knock from the rear on rough roads. Ford notes that the original bushings can delaminate and offers an updated arm with solid bushings.
30 Rear Toe Adjuster (driver and passenger side)
An eccentric cam bolt with two cam washers. Turning it moves one of the rear lower arms in or out to set the rear toe.
Signs of wear: A cam bolt seized by rust, so the rear toe cannot be set.
Tip: Seized cam bolts often have to be cut out, so a new bolt kit is worth having on hand.
See all Rear End Alignment Kit parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
31 Rear Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
An arched arm above the halfshaft line, from the subframe to the top of the knuckle. It sets the rear camber.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear, or rear tires wearing on the inner edge.
Tip: Adjustable arms are sold for lowered vehicles or to correct camber.
32 Rear Trailing Arm (driver and passenger side)
A long flat steel blade. Its rear end bolts flat to the front of the knuckle and its front end carries a bushing bolted into a bracket on the body. It holds the wheel against braking and acceleration.
Signs of wear: A clunk when braking or pulling away, or a torn front bushing.
Tip: Left and right blades are different parts.
33 Rear Trailing Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushing in the front end of the trailing blade. A two hole plate runs through it and bolts up into the body bracket.
Signs of wear: A clunk on braking or a vehicle that steps sideways over bumps.
See all Trailing Arm Bushings parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
34 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The rear shock is separate from the spring and stands nearly upright just behind the hub. Its lower eye bolts to the knuckle and its stem goes up into a rubber mount held to the body by two bolts.
Signs of wear: Bouncing or floating over bumps, fluid on the body, or a rattle from the rear. Ford notes a rattle from some 2015 to 2017 rear shocks.
Tip: Replace shocks in pairs, and fit a new upper mount kit at the same time.
35 Rear Sway Bar
The rear sway bar runs across the subframe's front cross member. Its ends bend back to short links on the spring arms.
Signs of wear: More body roll than usual, normally from worn links or bushings.
We don't carry a rear sway bar for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
36 Rear Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber bushings in clamps hold the rear bar to the subframe.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or knocks from the rear over bumps.
Tip: The stock rear bar is 16 mm.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
37 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A short link from the end of the rear bar down to a bracket on the spring arm.
Signs of wear: A rattle from the rear over small bumps.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
Brakes and Hubs
18 Front Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
The front bearing is pressed into the knuckle and the hub is pressed into the bearing. The CV axle splines into the hub and is held by the axle nut.
Signs of wear: A hum or growl that changes with speed or when turning, or play when the wheel is rocked.
Tip: Replacing the bearing needs a press, so many buyers fit a complete knuckle assembly instead.
We don't carry a front wheel bearing and hub for the 2016 Ford Escape yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
19 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A vented 320 mm rotor clamped between the hub and the wheel.
Signs of wear: A pulsing brake pedal, grooves you can feel, or a lip at the outer edge.
20 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston floating caliper on a bracket bolted to the knuckle.
Signs of wear: A pull to one side under braking, a dragging brake, or a fluid leak.
Tip: Front wheel drive and all wheel drive models use different calipers, so check the drive type.
21 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads ride in the caliper on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, a longer pedal, or pads worn near the backing plate.
Tip: Front wheel drive and all wheel drive models use different pads, so check the drive type.
22 Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
The rear hub bearing bolts to the rear knuckle. On all wheel drive models its center is splined for the halfshaft.
Signs of wear: A hum from the rear that rises with speed, or play when the wheel is rocked.
Tip: Front wheel drive and all wheel drive models use different rear hubs, and some front wheel drive hubs depend on park assist.
See all Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2016 Ford Escape
23 Rear Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A solid rear rotor clamped between the hub and the wheel: 280 mm on 2013 to 2016 models, 316 mm on 2017 to 2019 models.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal when stopping gently, or deep grooves.
Tip: Rear rotors changed size for 2017, so check the year.
24 Rear Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston rear caliper that also works the parking brake.
Signs of wear: A dragging rear brake, a weak parking brake, or a fluid leak.
Tip: 2017 to 2019 models have an electric parking brake and different rear calipers, so check the year.
25 Rear Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The rear pads ride in the caliper on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing or grinding from the rear, or a parking brake that needs more travel.
Tip: Rear pads changed in 2017, so check the year.
Questions about the 2016 Ford Escape suspension
What are the most common suspension wear items on a 2016 Ford Escape?
Front lower control arms and their bushings, front and rear sway bar links, and the rear dog bone link are the parts most often replaced, followed by tie rod ends and rear upper arms. Ford has noted that the original dog bone bushings can delaminate and offers an updated arm with solid bushings.
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have upper control arms at the front?
No. The front uses struts, so the strut itself locates the top of the knuckle. There is one lower control arm and one lower ball joint per side. The rear does have an upper arm on each side.
Are front wheel drive and all wheel drive Escapes different underneath?
The arms, links and struts are shared. All wheel drive models add a driveshaft, a rear drive unit and rear halfshafts, and use a different passenger side front axle, different rear hubs and different front brake calipers and pads. Check the drive type on each part before ordering.
Did anything change for 2017?
The 2017 refresh kept the same suspension arms and links. The rear brakes changed: 2017 to 2019 models use a larger 316 mm rear rotor and rear calipers made for the electric parking brake, so rear brake parts differ by year.
Do I need an alignment after replacing suspension parts?
Yes, after replacing tie rods, struts, control arms or rear links. Front toe is set at the tie rods and rear toe at the rear toe adjuster cam bolt. Adjustable rear upper arms are sold to correct rear camber.
Printable 2016 Ford Escape suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
