IWE Issue (4WD Integrated Wheel Ends)
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Joined: Dec 2013
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IWE Issue (4WD Integrated Wheel Ends)
I have a 2008 F150 Lariat SuperCrew. I've had this issue before, and I think it's a vacuum leak, but I'm not sure.
I have a MightyVac vacuum tool which I'm using to diagnose.
I pulled 25" Hg on each of the front IWEs - they held the vacuum just fine.
I then hooked up the tester to the vacuum lines and they both were pulling 20" Hg at idle. I had my son rev the engine to 3,000 rpm - no change in vacuum. Both sides pulled a steady 20" Hg each.
I'm pulling the trailer for my local high school band. What's happening is that when I hit an incline and the engine strains, I can hear at least one of the IWEs trying to engage - almost sounds like a bad bearing. I've hear the sound before, though, so I'm pretty sure that's what it is - the IWE(s) partially engaging.
I replaced the IWE solenoid a couple of years ago, and also replaced a vacuum line that was leaking at that time.
How can I test vacuum while putting enough strain on the engine to lower it?
What am I missing?
I have a MightyVac vacuum tool which I'm using to diagnose.
I pulled 25" Hg on each of the front IWEs - they held the vacuum just fine.
I then hooked up the tester to the vacuum lines and they both were pulling 20" Hg at idle. I had my son rev the engine to 3,000 rpm - no change in vacuum. Both sides pulled a steady 20" Hg each.
I'm pulling the trailer for my local high school band. What's happening is that when I hit an incline and the engine strains, I can hear at least one of the IWEs trying to engage - almost sounds like a bad bearing. I've hear the sound before, though, so I'm pretty sure that's what it is - the IWE(s) partially engaging.
I replaced the IWE solenoid a couple of years ago, and also replaced a vacuum line that was leaking at that time.
How can I test vacuum while putting enough strain on the engine to lower it?
What am I missing?
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 296
From: upstate NY
Quick fix is to bypass the solenoid so that the hubs always have full vacuum. Do that and take if for a cruise and see if anything changes.
It’s far from accurate but I’ve always just tested the hoses at the IWEs with my thumb. I’ve also run into situations where there is full vacuum at the wheel end of the hose but the IWE itself is torn or the axle but is over torqued.
It’s far from accurate but I’ve always just tested the hoses at the IWEs with my thumb. I’ve also run into situations where there is full vacuum at the wheel end of the hose but the IWE itself is torn or the axle but is over torqued.
