I have a 2006 f150 with 110k miles. I have owned it for about 6 months now. Anyways the problem I'm having is after once in a while I'll heard a nasty grinding noise in the front end, I'll pull over to the side of the road and stop and restart the truck then everything is fine. Runs just like nothing happened. I guessing it's something to do with the 4x4 system like a hub or something idk. This has happened 3 times sense I owned the truck and 2 of the 3 time the battery light came on. Please any ideas as to what the problem could be would be appreciated. Another thing the truck has hid headlights and a system in it which pops a radio fuse once in a while.

 

The sounds im hearing I believe to be the actuator kicking in.

 

That's most likely exactly what it is. Search Integrated Wheel Ends (or IWE), TONs of posts on here. Others will chime in and provide the link to diagnose it. Usually it's one of the vacuum seals goes on one of the IWE's and you can vacuum test it (with a pump) to determine which one but it can also be a faulty IWE solenoid (new ones have rain covers).


The easiest way to know for sure is next time the noise happens, turn on 4x4 and see if it goes away.


Others will chime in soon I'm sure though with the link on how to troubleshoot it (sorry I don't have it handy).

 

Here, try this:


https://www.f150forum.com/f4/4x4-tro...g-guide-39789/


But the noise is probably one of your front hubs starting to engage (IWE actuator) due to low vacuum (leak).

 

Thank you guys for the help, I believe that is the problem im having. i will be trying it out next week.

Thanks!!

 

If it's an early 06 the solenoid most likely will not have a rain cover. Another instance of ford putting something in the wrong place. I have an early 2006 and mine didn't have a rain cover. I just changed the solenoid last night and everything is back to normal. The part cost me around $28 at NAPA and it came with the rain shield. Just fyi, vacuum tester at harbor freight is around $25 bucks as well, just in case it ends up not being the solenoid. Make sure to clean the vacuum lines out while installing the new solenoid as well. Computer duster compressed air cans work well. Good luck.

 

I wouldn't ignore the battery light coming on. I thought i had the same problem with the 4x4 in my 05 xlt. Heard high pitched noise in the front end. It ended up being the alternator that was making the noise under heavy load. Found out by jumpstarting a buddies truck on a sub zero day. Started screaming like crazy. Changed the alternator out and all is quiet now.