I have a 2008 F-150 4x4 and have recently noticed a grinding/rattling sound apparently coming from the passenger side front wheel. This "noise" only happens when I step on the accelerator and it stops when 4 wheel drive is engaged.

When I took it in to be repaired the mechanic replaced a part involved with the vacuum where the two hoses connect. He and I both thought this would fix the problem but it didn't. Now we're both searching for answers.

I understand that this is a common issue with '08's so I was hoping someone on here may have heard of, or had, this problem and might know what to do.

Thanks you.
Pat

 

There's a thread somewhere on the board dedicated to troubleshooting IWE issues.

Possibilities are the solenoid (tends to be problematic on some trucks), the vacuum hub assemblies, and the check valve in the vacuum line, which is what he probably replaced.

 

Google F150 grinding IWE. There is a write up about "everything you wanted to know about IWE and then some"
Essentially, if its grinding in 2wd but stops in 4wd, more than likely you have a vacuum leak or a bad check valve (possibly both). I just fixed this same problem on my '05. I replaced all vacuum lines to my hub actuators and replaced 2 of the 3 check valves. Do not keep driving it in 2wd. The write up also has a line diagram of the layout of the vacuum system. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Could be your IWE Solenoid, there might be a small vacuum leak on one of your lines, check valves may be bad (you should only be able to blow through one way and not the other) your IWE Actuator may be bad or last but not least your wheel hub bearing might be bad.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/art...then-some.html

https://www.f150forum.com/f72/how-di...186872/index6/

I'm actually going through this issue myself can't seem to find the issue. I replaced everything and my lines do not have a leak. haha. oh well.

 

Thanks, everyone, for all the help. I did find other posts regarding this issue as well as following through on the links you all provided. I found good information.

I think my next step will be to look at the check valves and go from there.

Thanks again for the help and I'll post back here when I get the problem nailed down.

 

Check both actuators and make sure the hoses are attached firmly. You can also get a handheld vaccum pump and hook it up at your actuators to pull vaccum and see if your actuators hold the vaccum. If it does hold, then you have either a leak or check valve gone bad. Also your IWE solenoid might have gone bad. They have updated the part to include a cover so water doesnt get into the solenoid.