Jules

I have an '05 F150 with 53k Kms (less than 32k miles). A few days ago I began to experience an odd noise from the front end, almost like a loud whine. The noise stopped when I engaged the 4X4, but returned immediately when disengaged (2 wheel drive.) Ford told me to check the 4X4 actuators (hubs). As it turns out, both hub actuators are made of aluminium and showed a great deal of deterioration, almost like electrolysis between dissimilar metals. This caused a vacuum leak at the actuator which prevented the 4X4 from fully disengeging. Total cost of repairs was Cdn $655. OUCH!

What can I do to prevent this from happening again? Have others experienced this problem? Has Ford addressed the issue? Thanks

Jules