red92lx

Hey guys,

New member here. Just bought a 2005 F150 xlt 4x4 5.4 supercrew. It's got 140K. Got a good deal on it from a friend, but he wasn't the best at repairs. He did good on maintenance (oil changes, brakes .ect) but there are some things that need to be done. It has got the typical exhaust leak that 5.4l are known for and I plan to get that taken care of in the next few months. The other problem is clicking from the front axle.

It sounds almost like when you put a playing card in your bike spokes as a kid. it's coming from the front drivers side wheel. I suspect it is related to the 4x4 system and am wondering if this is a common problem and the cost of the repair if I take it to a reputable independent shop. This seems the most pressing of issues and since I don't want to cause any additional damage I want to get this fixed ASAP! I appreciate any insight and advice.

I am coming from an expedition (2003) and before that a thunderbird (1992) (hence the username) and am look forward to learning about f150's. Looks like a pretty cool community we have here!!!

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Replace the IWE solenoid located on the firewall behind the battery.. the new design has a rain hood on it..

nrivera04

If it's not the solenoid, the next place to look will be the wheel ends themself. You'll need a vacuum pump to troubleshoot them.

red92lx

I know my friend did change the solenoid, but it didn't help. Any idea what the cost to repair the wheel ends would be?

techrep

iTrader: (1)

So.. if the new IWE solenoid did not work then the IWE itself is leaking or stuck.. you will need a vacuum pump like River said to troubleshoot.. it could be several things like a cracked vacuum line /bad check valve/or the wheel end itself..

red92lx

Update

Thanks for your the help and suggestions. I checked out the vacuum lines and all seemed good. Knowing that the solenoid had been replaced, I ordered a IWE and replaced it this weekend. Everything is working great now!! I just wanted to thank techrep and nrivera04 for the help!! I am sure I saved a TON of money over taking it to a shop, and overall the job wasn't that difficult. This 4x4 system isn't that difficult when you take the time to learn it and I really aprecaite having the info on this forum to help figure it out!

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Sweet.. glad you got her fixed.. did you do both sides ?

red92lx

Just the side that failed for now. It was way to hot this weekend to tackle the otherside

techrep

iTrader: (1)

most likely not far behind.. at least you know how to do it now.. good job!