I just started experiencing a grinding noise while in 2WD in my 2018 F150 XL with 5200 miles. I took it to a nearby dealer and explained how it just started but goes away if I switch to 4WD Hi. I did a lot of research first on this forum and Youtube. I t seems for knows about the vacuum problem and even has a TSB for it. I gave all this info to service write up guy and he seemed disinterested. Our Techs know their job, just what is the complaint. I made an appt.and went in on 12/23 and waited in customer area. In less than an hour I was given my truck back and told they found nothing wrong and was told they even test drove it. So as I left to go home, around a mile and a half away it started grinding again. I even got my wife to ride with me and she can hear it too. It is coming from drivers side when accelerating and stops when leaving up on gas (vacuum related). I called dealership service dept. today and explained that truck is still making the same noise and was told to make another appt. Service guy seemed annoyed with my mentioning the TSB and numerous Youtube videos with exact problem with vacuum and IWE problem. I am thinking of trying another Ford dealership about 10 miles away. I was disappointed when I left on 12/23 and nothing was done. All I remember was service advisor telling me about a survey that will be sent to me about how wonderful I was treated.How would others react and have been treated this way?

 

I would take it to another dealership and have them take a ride with you.

 

Schedule your app't. and see if they will allow you to take a mechanic or advisor on a ride with you.

As for telling them how to do their job -maybe leave that until later. I mean don't tell them about all the internet rumors you've read that they should now just take your word for. It is possible it did not act up during their test drive of the vehicle. Unless it happens to you 100% of the time then of course they should have heard the noises.
In my experiences, the IWE failures aren't a situation the service department tries to pretend they never hear of problems. Seems they would want to simply fix it and is easy.

Also, if they are following a NEW TSB, they will be done with our truck in 10 minutes. I'd keep that to myself though. The old method is replacing parts. The new method is a crap-bandaid. Let them replace parts if they offer that.

 

That is the problem for sure--I would take to diff dealer and give them a 1 star with a bad survey for sure, I would even mentions names if you know

 

I've had the same issue, service writer doesn't give a crap about what you think the problem may be.

$7000 in warranty work later, I got that Sable back with the problem not fixed (greatly reduced power). After arguing with the service tech and threatening to call the local troubleshooters if they thought they were going to collect over $250 from me for non-covered work when I told them what they problem was and they didn't fix it, I disconnected the exhaust manifold in their parking lot and told the service tech to drive the damn thing. Oh, it's got power now? That's right, *******.

Told them the cats were probably clogged, all they had to do was trouble shoot that damn part, then tell me it was not covered. I'd have had them fix it. Instead, they kept the car for 6 weeks, rebuilt the transmission, replaced the head gaskets, got grease on the carpet, spilt soda in the console, broke the transmission mount, lost all the A/C caps (and probably killed the compressor as it died weeks later), just because that service writer thought customers can't ever have a clue. Those dealerships can go ufck themselves.

 

First, arrogant service writers really tick me off. They forget who the customer is and where their pay really comes from. I would try a different dealer and also be honest when filling out their precious survey. I also would contact the service manager to let that person know the type of customer service you experienced.
FWIW, I had the same issue with my 2018. I bought this truck used in June of this year and heard this noise very intermittently (8 times in roughly 6000 miles of driving). I knew it would be unlikely that the dealer would be able to duplicate the noise when they had it for an oil change and trans reprogram so I didn't even mention it. I did the same research you did and thanks to this forum I purchased this part: and fixed it myself.
So far, so good. Hope this helps.

 

I purchased an entire new IWE check valve and the grinding noise remains. The noise has gone on for quite some time and not knowing what it was - i figured it was a brake and got them checked out etc. etc.

If i let the problem last this long do i need to move on to replacing the actuators? And by replace them i mean contact a shop and have them do it so it is done correctly?

 

What year, trim level is your truck? Helps troubleshooting. How long, and how severe has it been grinding?

 

Did you check the actuator? Vacuum lines?

Eventually, an IWE will be trashed if you don't deal with it, but it's dependent upon how much vacuum remained in the line. IOW, your new IWE could be completely trashed, or perfectly salvageable.

 

2015 Lariat. Crew Crab 5.5 bed. it sure got worse as the weather got cold in PA. Its our weekend/family vehicle. But very very noticeable now. Happening every time we drive. Im not a mechanic by any means but super handy DIY. From what i read, if you let the problem persist too long the actuators would need replaced.

Should i do this and see if it fixes or should i have the mechanic have a go?