bstephens00

im having some trouble in the right forward portion of my '06 5.4L 4x4
There's a noise that i can't identify -
No indicator lights are on, and there's no noise at idle. When I start driving though, from 1300rpm and up there's a scratching noise that sounds like its coming from my front right tire/wheel/quarter panel/rotor.
The noise is only there when I'm keeping constant pressure on the gas after 1300rpm; the cadance and volume of the sound increases with additional speed. The weird thing is that when i switch it into 4wd the sound goes away.
Now, while in 4wd the sound will not return. And, if i switch in back into 2wd (still with constant pressure on the gas) the noise does not come back either. But, by slowing down in 2wd (coming to a complete or at least a rolling stop), I bring the noise back by accelerating.

The noise almost sounds like something is dragging underneath or scratching the rotor - I took the wheel off and did a pretty thorough inspection but can't really find anything.

Has anyone had a similar issue?
Please help, and thanks.

Smokin Lariat

I'm gonna suggest this even though it may be off base... does the sound resemble what you hear when you try to grind ice in a blender?

If so, check your IWEs. A search will bring up plenty of infoon IWEs here - I had that problem on my 06 5.4 4x4 - but the sound was more intermittent than you describe and it was not a scratching, but as I say, sounded like ice being crushed in a blender.

Good luck

bstephens00

well its funny you mention ice. Because, I was driving through a big pile of ice and snow when it happened. I just thought that I had picked some up.
It does sound very similar to ice being crushed/blended up - maybe not quite as violent (if that makes any sense)

Thanks for the advice - I'll look into it.

bstephens00

hey lariat

thanks for the help
this weekend I did a IWE/Solenoid and Actuator fix; and no more problems or weird noises

my driver side actuator looked pretty good; but my passenger side one was a little chewed up

thanks again for the help

Smokin Lariat

Glad it worked out for you. I got lucky as mine was covered by my extended warranty. Cost me a $100 deductible.

Glad I could help!