Occasional front end noise

[JExpedition07]

Should I replace both front hub actuators? When I heard the hard grinding it was drivers side (at least I think). Today something makes noise passanger side occasionally when hitting bumps. Like I said all suspension parts check out. RockAuto has genuine ford ones for $120 a piece. I had one replaced this winter but they didn’t mark which one was done on the bill.

 

[1955moose]

It should look newer than the other side. Maybe you'll get lucky and the shop can remember what side? Is that mechanic still there?

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[JExpedition07]

It should look newer than the other side. Maybe you'll get lucky and the shop can remember what side? Is that mechanic still there?

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Likely not, this was a dealer trip and they just marked that they sold me a hub actuator and the labor to install. They go through so many jobs/techs. I’ll go after the drivers side and see what changes.

 

[1955moose]

There you go. I'd still see if one looks newer than the other, it should. Sure hate to have you change the wrong side.

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[JExpedition07]

Today I’ve been driving with windows down to isolate the noise. It is definitely the passanger side actuator. Though it echoes with the drivers window down it is much louder if I open just the passanger window. It will be going quiet and all of a sudden the grinding starts.

 

[JExpedition07]

Today I’ve been driving with windows down to isolate the noise. It is definitely the passanger side actuator. Though it echoes with the drivers window down it is much louder if I open just the passanger window. It will be going quiet and all of a sudden the grinding starts. I know the actuator goes inside but it looks like something else was replaced as well.

 

[JExpedition07]

Not sure why the double post. Anyway looking under the truck where that goes inside the shaft/hub meet up area there the drivers side exterior “metal” looks brand new. The passenger side looks old.

 

[gixer2000]

Not sure why the double post. Anyway looking under the truck where that goes inside the shaft/hub meet up area there the drivers side exterior “metal” looks brand new. The passenger side looks old.

Does it stop if you lock the hub? When mine were grinding it would stop if I put it in AWD or 4hi

 

[JExpedition07]

Does it stop if you lock the hub? When mine were grinding it would stop if I put it in AWD or 4hi

Haven’t tested that. Just randomly grinds in 2H, although it never did grind when I had it in 4x4 this last weekend. I stopped at NAPA and picked up a new one. Not sure on the quality but it is made here not Chinese.

 

[gixer2000]

Haven’t tested that. Just randomly grinds in 2H, although it never did grind when I had it in 4x4 this last weekend. I stopped at NAPA and picked up a new one. Not sure on the quality but it is made here not Chinese.
View attachment 26582

In my experience NAPA stuff is usually pretty good. Definitely better than other parts store parts

 

[1955moose]

Ditto on Napa better stuff. Always tell your parts guy you want the good stuff, just like booze! They have a budget line, but don't!

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[Yukon Joe]

These hub actuators are not a very robust design from Ford. On the Raptor forum, we refer to them as IWE, integrated wheel end. The IWE works with a spring and a vacuum. When the truck is running, the vacuum collapses the spring to disengage the hub. Of the is a leak in the vacuum line or the vacuum line valve fails, the IWE will engage prematurely.

Another issue is that the material Ford uses. The IWE ring teeth are made from plastic. Under 4x4 load, they can easily bust. I pretty much break one on each offroad trip I do. I've learned not to stress them if I can help it. I also now carry two in my offroad kit. Guys have gotten so good at changing these on the trail, I've seen it done in as little as 15 minutes.

So, it is not a surprise that you've had to have the driver side done, and now the passenger side needs it as well. Did you say the vacuum valve was changed previously?

@Yukon Joe

 

[JExpedition07]

Yes, I changed the IWE solenoid or “vacuum valve” last winter with a MotorCraft.

 

[gixer2000]

J

Yes, I changed the IWE solenoid or “vacuum valve” last winter with a MotorCraft.

Might be worth checking the check valve also. I have 2 new hubs up front and I noticed the drivers side is making some noise. I'm going to test the check valve after my kids baseball game today. Seems like on the F150 forums when the check valve fails its usually the drivers side thats affected and not so much the passanger.

 

[gixer2000]

Yes, I changed the IWE solenoid or “vacuum valve” last winter with a MotorCraft.

Check valve is within this vacuum hose setup

 

[JExpedition07]

J

Might be worth checking the check valve also. I have 2 new hubs up front and I noticed the drivers side is making some noise. I'm going to test the check valve after my kids baseball game today. Seems like on the F150 forums when the check valve fails its usually the drivers side thats affected and not so much the passanger.

It’s my passanger side acting up but maybe I’ll change this out in a bit anyway for good measure. If I get a second this week I’d like to change the actuator.

 

[gixer2000]

It’s my passanger side acting up but maybe I’ll change this out in a bit anyway for good measure. If I get a second this week I’d like to change the actuator.

I actually pulled mine apart today. Both my hubs were new so I'm guessing it was an assembly issue when I did the lower control arm bushings. I also did find the check valve not holding vacuum in the direction it should have. Replaced the Check valve, cleaned and re greased the hub and splines. Problem solved!

 

[JExpedition07]

Gave it a shot after work and rain is rolling in now

 

[JExpedition07]

Any tips on getting the tie rod end out? Been wailing on it with Mallot it’s not coming out. Only thing left in my way now.

 

[JExpedition07]

Finally got the tie rod end out with a Fork.