IWE still grinding... HELP!

[14expy]

I have a 2014 EL limited with the 5.4.

I have been through the typical IWE grinding issues. I have replaced the following:

Driver front IWE
Driver front CV axle
Front diff.
4x4 solenoid
Check valve

Each of these fixes cause the grinding to disappear for a few days but the grinding always comes back. The grinding is intermittent and lessens or goes away once we have driven for a few miles. I also did as many vacuum tests as I know and nothing seems to be leaking as far as I know.

My theory is that the hub assembly is was damaged with all of this trouble shooting or there is a vacuum leak somewhere else.

Will replacing the hub assembly help?

 

[JExpedition07]

I replaced the IWEs in a pair on my 2007 because I kept chasing the issue back and forth. If one side leaks it will sometime manifest itself on the other side. Weird stuff.

 

[grdsman]

I have a 2014 EL limited with the 5.4.

I have been through the typical IWE grinding issues. I have replaced the following:

Driver front IWE
Driver front CV axle
Front diff.
4x4 solenoid
Check valve

Each of these fixes cause the grinding to disappear for a few days but the grinding always comes back. The grinding is intermittent and lessens or goes away once we have driven for a few miles. I also did as many vacuum tests as I know and nothing seems to be leaking as far as I know.

My theory is that the hub assembly is was damaged with all of this trouble shooting or there is a vacuum leak somewhere else.

Will replacing the hub assembly help?

I just bought the new Dorman replacement IWE that eliminate the vacuum. Basically, the hubs will always be locked, like every other truck on the market. No more grinding.


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[jeff kushner]

FWIW; I know you won't believe it so I haven't mentioned it before.....but I swore that I has IWE grinding.....even bought the replacement vacuum parts.....then before doing it, I lay next to my truck while GF moved it in the morning...............then I bought some 90w outboard gear oil and replaced the rear differential fluid and added the Ford additive. That was 50,000 miles ago.

NEVER heard/felt it again.


jeff

 

[grdsman]

FWIW; I know you won't believe it so I haven't mentioned it before.....but I swore that I has IWE grinding.....even bought the replacement vacuum parts.....then before doing it, I lay next to my truck while GF moved it in the morning...............then I bought some 90w outboard gear oil and replaced the rear differential fluid and added the Ford additive. That was 50,000 miles ago.

NEVER heard/felt it again.


jeff

However, nothing should be moving in the differential to make a sound if the IWEs are unlocked and the shafts aren’t spinning, right? With mine, it completely goes away in 4WD. I’ll be putting in the new IWEs with vacuum delete today. I’ve been driving with the vacuum disconnected with no noise at all.

Look up Dorman 600-405 if you are tired of putting new IWEs on.

Mike


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[grdsman]

Got the new Dormans installed with no problem. No more grinding. The only thing that moderately concerns me long-term is whether there is any transfer case wear that can occur with the front shaft always turning with the 4A case, but still in 2WD. I tried a spin test on the ice on the way home and there was zero grab from the front end, so hopefully there isn’t and it is truly disconnected at the transfer case when in 2H rather than 4A. Any smart guys out there really understand exactly how the 4A transfer case works, to better understand possible wear?


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[aagitch]

Got the new Dormans installed with no problem. No more grinding. The only thing that moderately concerns me long-term is whether there is any transfer case wear that can occur with the front shaft always turning with the 4A case, but still in 2WD. I tried a spin test on the ice on the way home and there was zero grab from the front end, so hopefully there isn’t and it is truly disconnected at the transfer case when in 2H rather than 4A. Any smart guys out there really understand exactly how the 4A transfer case works, to better understand possible wear?


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So did you have to disconnect the electrical connector going to the solenoid since the vacuum lines aren't connected to IWE's anymore? Where did you end up getting the Dorman replacements?

 

[grdsman]

So did you have to disconnect the electrical connector going to the solenoid since the vacuum lines aren't connected to IWE's anymore?

The vacuum line still hooks up but they connections on the IWE are closed, so the vacuum goes nowhere. All is good.


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