I'm sure there has been a thread on this but I didn't see it I have a 2009 F-150. I live in Northern MN and the last couple days have been fridged cold at night and during the day -20 or colder, when I start to accelerate in 4High it makes an awful grinding noise coming from the front. It goes away in 2wd or after things are warmed up after a short drive or parked in my heated garage. It has never made this noise before this cold spell could it be just fluids are that cold or is there something I should look at or be concerned with? Any help would be great thanks for your time

 

Sounds like the hubs are trying to disengage or engage while you are accelerating. I'd start checking the IWE solenoid and check valves. Also, there may be some moisture that got into the IWE causing it to freeze up.

 

Hi Nick,

If the DIY approach doesn't work out, you can always bring this up to your dealership so they can perform an inspection. Either way, let us know how things go with your truck.

Crystal

 

Mine does the exact same thing when it's cold (-20 Celsius or colder). We are currently sitting in the mid to low -30s celcius and the grinding is really bad. Definitely sounds like the t case.

 

Ok, well I brought it into the shop and the p/s IWE was bad they said it was very clear where the noise was coming from checked that side and there was a leak.


Sadly they didn't check the drivers side the grinding is gone but there is a clicking noise on the other side. Im sure its the same thing but we will find out Friday when I head into the shop with it same thing goes away when warmed up or out of 4wd. I have heard they tend to go out in pairs from a friend but who knows.

 

Hi mbf150ecoboost,

Wow; that's cold. I hope you're keeping warm! Also, did your dealer get a change to diagnose the concern? send me your truck's year and odometer reading; I'll assess the next step.

Bianca

 

Ok, well just got my truck back and as my buddy at the dealership told me both IWE's were bad. Replaced and works like a dream actully think they were bad for awhile seems like a new truck in 4wd

 

Thanks for the update, Nick; I'm glad to hear that everything worked out!

Crystal

 

Finally had time to drop mine off at the dealer this week. Just picked it up and they replaced both IWA actuators, the IWE selonoid and also the complete steering gear assembly (unrelated to 4x4). So far so good. Will report back after driving it more.