Has anyone replaced their front hub actuators themselves? I have an '04 FX4 and get the ticking noise in 2wd. I've already replaced the vacuum actuator on the firewall, but it's still doing it. I took the vacuum lines off at the hubs to keep them engaged (with the transfer case in 2wd), but it's killing my fuel mileage. I think it's a fairly easy fix, but I was helping for some pointers. I hate spending more for the labour than the parts are worth ($88 each).

 

Yes, I did mine last winter. Just remove the brake caliper, unhook the tie rod, pop the upper balljoint from the knuckle, and then remove the dust cap and axle nut on the outside of the hub. Then remove the 3screws that hold the IWE onto the knuckle. You will be able to maneuver the axle and knuckle enough to get the axle out through the knuckle. Then just slide the IWE off of axle and re-install the new ones. Took me probably 1.5hours to do both sides.


Hope this helps. Let me know if you get any ?'s.