4WD help please
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Joined: Mar 2013
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4WD help please
Hey guys, just bought a 05 FX4. The owner told me that before the winter, the truck started making a whining noise and it seemed to come from the driver side wheel area. He took it to his mechanic(also his cousin) and he told him that the driver side hub had failed, and he "disconnected" it and the pass side hub so he didn't have to get it fixed right away.
I have not even looked at the area in question yet because I'm not familiar with the vacuum actuated 4wd systems at all so I wanted a little input before spend some time under it. One question I have is, is it even possible to "disconnect" the front hubs and still drive the truck, and if so what do I have to do to hook it back up?
2nd question I have is, does his mechanics diagnosis sound likely or could it be something else? Again, he said the 4wd never quit on him, the truck just started making an annoying whining noise. Thanks, Chris
I have not even looked at the area in question yet because I'm not familiar with the vacuum actuated 4wd systems at all so I wanted a little input before spend some time under it. One question I have is, is it even possible to "disconnect" the front hubs and still drive the truck, and if so what do I have to do to hook it back up?
2nd question I have is, does his mechanics diagnosis sound likely or could it be something else? Again, he said the 4wd never quit on him, the truck just started making an annoying whining noise. Thanks, Chris
Uberhater,Troll,Whatever
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 113
From: East L.A.
This should help with trouble shooting and understanding the 4x4 vacuum system.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/83...then-some.html
It sounds like an IWE may be bad. Often times the solenoid starts malfunctioning, and that ends up causing damage to the IWEs. Sounds like the guy disconnected the vacuum line between the IWEs and the solenoid as a lot of us have done while waiting to make the full repairs.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/83...then-some.html
It sounds like an IWE may be bad. Often times the solenoid starts malfunctioning, and that ends up causing damage to the IWEs. Sounds like the guy disconnected the vacuum line between the IWEs and the solenoid as a lot of us have done while waiting to make the full repairs.
Uberhater,Troll,Whatever
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 113
From: East L.A.
Neither had I before I got my current truck! I printed the linked info and had it at the truck while I learned and repaired mine. Not nearly as complicated as I thought, once I read and looked/checked stuff. The system is pretty easy to trouble shoot and work on.
I you do end up having to replace an IWE, here's a good "how to" link with pictures and tools needed.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/360269-iwes-removal-replacing.html
I you do end up having to replace an IWE, here's a good "how to" link with pictures and tools needed.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/360269-iwes-removal-replacing.html
Last edited by 60DRB; Mar 30, 2013 at 09:15 AM.
I would re-connect the Vacuum and vent lines at each IWE and trouble shoot...engage the 4WD system and see if your noise goes away...if it does you may just need a new IWE solenoid...if it does not you new a new IWE (Hub) if it's the hub ..i would do both. Also I would check the condition of your hose on the drivers side, you may have a bad vacuum line just on that side...thats where the noise was coming from.. good luck