Rattling & Scraping noise Driver side when slight turn to right.

[TexEx]

2005 Expedition XLT 4wd making a grinding noise when ever the vehicle begins to make the slightest turn to right. does not do this at all when weight is shifted to left. I initially thought it was the hub bearing assembly so I replaced, but still getting the same sound. It's not a continuous noise but more like a quick pulse with a split second pause between grinds. I did notice some play where the cv meets the differential case, so I'm fearing the whole cv assembly may be bad. Also new ball joints replaced 4 yrs ago. Recommendations please.

 

[whtbronco]

A grinding noise could easily be the IWE(4wd hub) not fully disengaging. If the IWE's are working you shouldn't have any noise from CV axles unless they are really, really bad. In 2WD the IWE's are disengaged via vacuum pressure and therefore there is no load on the front cv axles.

Jack up the front end, or 1 front tire at a time, and try to turn the tire. It should turn, but with resistance and stop immediately upon release. Now start the truck and try again. If the IWE is disengaging the tire will turn fairly easily and keep going just a bit after you stop turning it. You may also hear the grinding noise you mentioned.

There's multiple parts that contribute to the vacuum operated IWE systems so don't just assume it's the IWE's that have failed. Though at nearly 20yrs old the rubber bladder in the IWE's may be dry rotted. I replaced mine in the last year.

 

[TexEx]

thanks for the information. Question: so you think its' possible that the left side IWE may be this cause? I haven't use 4wd in a long time. Also what are the danger or hazards of driving like this?
I will try jacking it up today & try your methods.

 

[whtbronco]

It could be either IWE, if that's the cause. If the IWE is partially engaged it will wear the IWE and wheel hub splines.

The IWE defaults to engaged, vacuum is used to disengage them for 2WD, as noted previously. So you can disconnect the vacuum hose to the IWE's and plug the hose and cap the IWE port. That will result in reduced wear on the IWE's, but it will also force the front cv axles and front driveshaft to turn anytime the front tires turn.

You might consider using A4WD every once in a while to keep things from seizing up, move the grease and oil around a bit.

 

[TexEx]

I disconnected the vacuum line down to the actuator & wrapped each opening with black tape to prevent dirt from getting in. Still getting the noise but I hope it will buy me some time. I am ordering the locking actuator so hope fully it will be here in a couple of days. It was only $35 so if it's not the issue that I just have a new part. Thanks again for your informatin once again, Ill keeep you posted. If you think of anything else feel free to message.

 

[whtbronco]

That's really low cost for the IWE. I think I paid about $150 for both, that same listing is now $123 each. This is one of those times where buying the Motorcraft part is worth the money. That's the general consensus from everything I have seen at least.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O0P7FE?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

However, if it's still making the noise the IWE might not be the issue. You can test the current IWE's with a vacuum pump to see if they hold vacuum, and if they engage and disengage properly, which is basically the idea behind testing with and without the engine running.

Can you duplicate the noise by jacking up a tire and spinning it?

 

[1111ExpyEL1111]

2005 Expedition XLT 4wd making a grinding noise when ever the vehicle begins to make the slightest turn to right. does not do this at all when weight is shifted to left. I initially thought it was the hub bearing assembly so I replaced, but still getting the same sound. It's not a continuous noise but more like a quick pulse with a split second pause between grinds. I did notice some play where the cv meets the differential case, so I'm fearing the whole cv assembly may be bad. Also new ball joints replaced 4 yrs ago. Recommendations please.

Did you put mud flaps on? Ours did that after I put flaps on.

 

[TexEx]

No sure didnt, i believe i have it pinpointed to the iwe actuator. Part came in so attempting to change this evening. Thx

 

[Vincent Vega]

In addition to the IWE, check the wheel bearings, too. They will make a grinding noise primarily when turning.
Regarding the IWE, it could be the IWE itself or the vacuum lines to it. I had a similar problem as you are describing, and it ended up being a vacuum check valve leaking. It was located next to the PCM on the passenger side firewall. Other potential IWE problems include the solenoid, which is also mounted to the firewall on the passenger side. It can leak vacuum or fail electrically, but if you are having a problem with proper disengagement, that is more like to be a vacuum related problem. Get a vacuum hand pump and start testing at various locations in the vacuum system to isolate what part is the problem. Like WHTBRONCO said, cheapo parts are sometimes bad right out of the box, so don't assume new parts are ok.

 

[TexEx]

Are you referring to the vacuum? That is used to vacuum air out of the A. C systems ? If so I do have one, but what type of hosing do I use, and where do I start? If you could give me a list that would be awesome. May ne out of my wheel house. Thanks