Grinding in front end
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
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Grinding in front end
Any help here would be appreciated, I have spent many hours searching for this problem and when I think I've found the answer, it never seems to be the cause. I have a 2013 fx4 with 120k miles and stock 20s with stock size bfg's. I put a leveling kit on it and had it aligned, a couple months later it started making a grinding sound. I originally thought it was a bearing, but the wheel is tight, and the sound goes away after driving for a little bit, but then it will come back intermittently. It doesn't make a sound change when you turn left or right like a wheel bearing would. I also have tried to change it from 2wd to 4wd and the sound continues. I've never had a problem with changing from 2wd to 4wd. I have rotated tires and the problem is still there. Thanks for any help on this.
How's she goin' eh?
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,375
Likes: 604
From: South Detroit
X2 for IWE, it's a common problem. Search, there's tons of threads on here (mine included) inquiring and others describing how to diagnose the problem.
If it is that, your three options are as follows: 1. Replace the broken components. 2. Disconnect vacuum to the IWE resulting in turning your 4wd system into a live axle up front. 3. Buying the IWE delete kit, yielding the same results as #2.
I've been driving around with my vacuum lines disconnected for the last 2k kms with no issues at a variety of speeds from 50 kms/h to 120 kms/h with no problems to report. Others will argue I'm using more fuel due to the front axle being engaged and it's causing wear and tear. I'm not arguing that, I might be but live axles have been around forever.
Whatever you choose, it's your choice but I would look into that if I was you.
If it is that, your three options are as follows: 1. Replace the broken components. 2. Disconnect vacuum to the IWE resulting in turning your 4wd system into a live axle up front. 3. Buying the IWE delete kit, yielding the same results as #2.
I've been driving around with my vacuum lines disconnected for the last 2k kms with no issues at a variety of speeds from 50 kms/h to 120 kms/h with no problems to report. Others will argue I'm using more fuel due to the front axle being engaged and it's causing wear and tear. I'm not arguing that, I might be but live axles have been around forever.
Whatever you choose, it's your choice but I would look into that if I was you.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 147
it would quiet if everything was working right... it should stop the vacuum being applied to the IWE's and shift the transfer case in to 4wd... if the teeth that engage are already damaged to a certain point, they will grind regardless.
Last edited by uzikaduzi; Sep 1, 2017 at 11:02 AM.