First, some back story. New 2015 502A Lariat Screw short bed. Bought new in 12/16. At 2,500 miles, the front-right brake started making noise. An intermittent grinding/metallic noise only made during braking, and only noticeable when coming to a stop. Puts a vibration in the steering wheel, too.

At 12,500, I took it to a new dealer (first dealer quoted a $150 diagnostic fee, no thanks). Dealer #2 turned the rotors and put new pads on. Problem went away, but came back at 14,500 miles. Got worse until 23k, when they replaced the front rotors and pads.

At 23.5k, the grinding/metallic noise was back, and at 24k, this morning, a groan/grind noise seems to be coming from the center of the front (differential?). It too was intermittent and went away after the truck warmed up. First time it's ever done this.

Before I call the dealership, I'd like to at least narrow down what it could be. 4WD seems to work OK, no other noises or rattles. Current plan on the front brake noise was to drive it until it was all the time, but if the front diff is going, that's gotta be looked at sooner.

-John

 

Could be a faulty IWE. If you put the truck in 4WD does it still exhibit the noise?

 

I'll have to try that. So far I have switched into 4A a few times and back out, but have not been on the brakes while the truck was in 4A.

Also, is that for the right-front noise, or the more center-front noise?

Thanks,

-John

 

It would sound like it is coming from either one of your front wheels. It is a distinctive grinding noise. It is also a very common issue with the F150.

It wouldn't happen if you have your 4WD activated, as the vacuum would disengage.

 

Thanks! I had a suspicion that the right-front noise was the IWE, but no way to confirm it - now I do

I will put it in 4A today on the way home and see what happens.

Does an IWE failure lead to warped rotors at all, or is that a byproduct of me commuting on the DC Beltway (495) every day?

-John

 

It shouldn't affect your rotors, but I am not sure about that. I just know about this IWE thing because it also happened to me. Someone else may be able to respond on this.