Background: 78,000 miles, IWE solenoid replaced twice, and both IWEs replaced at about 34,000 miles. The symptoms were similar to complaints with grinding that stops with 4A engagement.

Now: The driver's side IWE is intermittently roaring similar to operating on pavement that has been ground down for replacement. I drove for two days without any issues and out of the blue it started making noise. When I engage 4A, it sounds like someone hit the hub with a 2 1/2 lb. sledgehammer and the noise stops. I can return to 2H and drive for 1 to 2 days before it starts again. Anyone experienced this type of IWE issue? Luckily, I still have a year left on my Ford ESP.

 

In regards to 4A trucks Ford Service just disables the system and keeps the hubs locked because they have no fix for the design.

 

I have seen that repair information, but fairly confident my IWE is damaged and requires replacement. Luckily, TSB/SSMs are not applicable to the Ford ESP, so I can push for replacement.

 

FWIW, I had a different concern with front end noise. I have the TOD 4A system. Dealer replaced both wheel actuators, vacuum tubing, and iwe solenoid. All covered under esp. I was nice to them and insisted that the iwe system not be disabled per the TSB. I was getting the noise in both 2 and 4 wheel drive modes.

 

I think what I would do in your case is get it in and repaired under your ESP, then perform the TSB and drive on never having to worry about it again. You can do the TSB yourself in the driveway for about $5 and 2 minutes of your time, including opening and closing the hood.

 

That's exactly what I did.

I bought my 2015 used in 2018 and was told both IWE's were replaced already. A couple years later I needed one replaced under ESP. Then...the other side needed done and I was at the end of my ESP.

Had the second side replaced (that makes both sides twice before 60k miles. As soon as I got home after the last replacement I did the TSB myself (bought the little vacuum caps from the parts department before I left). Done with it and no problems going forward.

 

Anyone have a link to the TSB for plugging the vacuum lines?

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...81917-0001.pdf

 

So the tsb goes til 2020. So the problem is fixed finally?

 

Yes, for the '21+, there is no vacuum system.