IWE 4x4 Issue
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
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IWE 4x4 Issue
Tried searching and couldn't find exactly what I am looking for...12 Lariat 4x4 with RC 2 inch level.
Symptoms...On longer runs on the interstate, at least 20-30 minutes at highway speeds...I get what I think is an IWE partially engaging. The vibration can be felt in the steering and in the vehicle itself with minor audible. When I engage the 4A, it goes away. I dropped it off at dealer for warranty work and even told them what I suspected...a vacuum issue with the 4wd system. They amazingly couldn't replicate the problem and I replicate it every time on the interstate.
With that said...tires rotated to rule out that. Started with the 20 dollar solenoid. Same problem.
What's next? Dealer is being a PITA...should I just drive and let the IWB burn up and they can deal with it or have my mech that does my routine work replace the vacuum hose set? Or...has anyone experienced this situation that happens on longer runs versus all the time. Mech states that my 4wd is operating normally, sans the IWE issue that we are having trouble diagnosing. Saw some posts regarding transfer case, but don't know why a 2 inch level would cause any issues there.
Thanks in advance.
Symptoms...On longer runs on the interstate, at least 20-30 minutes at highway speeds...I get what I think is an IWE partially engaging. The vibration can be felt in the steering and in the vehicle itself with minor audible. When I engage the 4A, it goes away. I dropped it off at dealer for warranty work and even told them what I suspected...a vacuum issue with the 4wd system. They amazingly couldn't replicate the problem and I replicate it every time on the interstate.
With that said...tires rotated to rule out that. Started with the 20 dollar solenoid. Same problem.
What's next? Dealer is being a PITA...should I just drive and let the IWB burn up and they can deal with it or have my mech that does my routine work replace the vacuum hose set? Or...has anyone experienced this situation that happens on longer runs versus all the time. Mech states that my 4wd is operating normally, sans the IWE issue that we are having trouble diagnosing. Saw some posts regarding transfer case, but don't know why a 2 inch level would cause any issues there.
Thanks in advance.
workin for parts!!!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: watson lake,yukon
Just did my drivers side one..jack up each side and start the truck for vacuum. See which axle turns with the wheel. Thats the garbage one. Can narrow it down to which side. Also pull off each hose at the IWE and check for vacuum. That will determine if the hoses are good.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
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You cane also check to see if you have vacuum at the IWEs and work your way back to the check valve. Assuming you don’t find any leaks in the lines, the check valve ($10 or so) would be the next thing I’d replace. Check valve does and can work intermittently.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 322
Likes: 34
from my experience this is probably what happened: when the guy that put the level kit on reassembled it (this is probably
why the dealer doesn't want to mess with it: it has already been apart by someone else) they didn't compress the iwe and
hold it that way by installing a vacuum cap over the nipple until the halfshaft and knuckle are in place. when it is assembled this way
the sliding gear can get caught in between the wheel bearing and halfshaft, when this happens 9 times out of ten the plastic
piece between the gear and rubber bellows can be broken. have seen this lots of times when a level kit is put on. go after that
guy not the dealer.
why the dealer doesn't want to mess with it: it has already been apart by someone else) they didn't compress the iwe and
hold it that way by installing a vacuum cap over the nipple until the halfshaft and knuckle are in place. when it is assembled this way
the sliding gear can get caught in between the wheel bearing and halfshaft, when this happens 9 times out of ten the plastic
piece between the gear and rubber bellows can be broken. have seen this lots of times when a level kit is put on. go after that
guy not the dealer.