Hi: Has anyone had issues with a clunk/shudder in the front 4WD when it's engaged, or shortly after it is engaged? My truck is a 2016 F150 4WD. Tires are stock size. Typically it engages the 4WD with no fuss when I put the switch to 4H. But if i turn sharp at slow speeds there is a distinct shudder or clunk from the front end. The dealer has replaced most of the guts of the transfer case, which has burnt fluid at 16,000 km. That did not solve the problem.

 

I thought this was normal...I had this happen to me the other day and didn't think anything of it. I guess I'll be adding another item for the dealership to look at when it goes in.

 

Believe me, this is not normal. If my dealer considers this normal i'll be trading the truck in at the Chev place down the road. I've driven lots of 4WD's and they should engage quietly.

 

Did they look at the IWEs? I know there were some 2015's having this...eventually they would grind/screech all the time. Replacing the IWEs took care of it. I figured the shudder was normal though.

 

What's an IWE?

 

Integrated Wheel Ends -- The vacuum-controlled hubs in the front that engage/disengage your front wheels when you enable 4WD.

 

Thanks I'll suggest that too them.

 

You should not be making sharp turns, unless on very poor traction surfaces, with the truck in 4H. That will cause binding in the drivetrain and wear out or break parts/tires. Making sharp turns in 4A is just fine, so long as your truck is equipped with that feature.

 

Good grief, Ford is still screwing around with these hub engagement problems? Back in '06 that was a popular topic. Sad to hear it's still going.

 

All the four wheel drive has been on dirt, or gravel based roads. Under similar traction surfaces the Chev won't make a sound, nor will Toyota.