4wd issues, grinding from front end

[06 Limited]

Hi i'm new to this forum could usually figure just about anything on my own but I'm having an issue with my 06 expedition that has me a little stumped. My wife drives the truck and was complaining about a grinding noise from front end so I check it out and figure its iwe solenoid, I buy one, replace it, and take for a ride....Not the problem still making the noise. I disconnect the plug to the solenoid and take for a ride.. noise goes away, my question is why would it go away by simply disconnecting the electrical connection? Is it possible the 4wd switch could be bad? Cause if it was vacuum issue problem would exist no matter what. I'm gonna check out vac lines no matter what but not sure if I should replace hubs any advice would be appreciated, thank you

 

[06 Limited]

ok well i now know what issue was, the reason I had no more grinding when removing connector was because i basically engaged the hubs full time and was spinning everything going down the road. I wasn't in four wheel because the transfer case wasn't engaged but still was getting worse gas mileage and had a vibration at higher speeds. For anyone with the similar issue, just disconnect vacuum lines from iwe solenoid and blow air through the lower line (that's the hose that goes to both hubs) and listen for air leaks, I also used a mix of soap and water in a spray bottle to help me pinpoint the leak. My leak was on pass side right by a/c compressor on frame rail. For a simple repair i just cleaned hose and wrapped with electrtical tape, it's good for now but i will be getting another hose, hope this helps anyone with same problem

 

[mindgame]

awesome