Vacuum leak to 4wd actuator

[lancewi]

I have an 04 Expedition NBX 5.4 4WD. I found that the vacuum hose leading to the drivers side axle looks like a squirrel chewed through it. I cut clean ends and put a rubber tube over it to patch it. When I did this I noticed that under load it sounds like broken metal pieces clanking around up there. I am thinking that it must have been like that a while and engaging the wheel as if in 4wd. I removed the rubber tube for the time being. I bought a new actuator which I am going to put on this weekend. Should I replace the CV axle or have anything else on hand? I have not opened it up so I am not sure what the clanking pieces are from but I am guessing the actuator is toast. If anyone had this happen or has some ideas about this that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mindgame]

Also change the IWE solenoid. When water and crud gets in there, it becomes unreliable..

 

[lancewi]

Thanks. Ordered the IWE solenoid. I am hoping the CV and hub are okay.

 

[mindgame]

Actually... try changing the IWE solenoid first.. Its a 5-10min fix, and costs approx. $40.

 

[lancewi]

Is that the same regulator that feeds the fuel injection and egr solenoid? I might be remembering that wrong...

 

[mindgame]

Is that the same regulator that feeds the fuel injection and egr solenoid? I might be remembering that wrong...

Pics of IWE solenoid - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

[lancewi]

I changed the iwe last night and reconnected the vacuum line. There is a clunk when the wheel engages in 4wd. Should I still do the acuator or should I be looking at the cv or hub?

 

[mindgame]

I changed the iwe last night and reconnected the vacuum line. There is a clunk when the wheel engages in 4wd. Should I still do the acuator or should I be looking at the cv or hub?

When does the clunk occur? when you are at a stand still and switch to 4x4?
When was the last time the transfer case fluid was changed?

 

[darmahsd]

Going to change my IWE's and solenoid. Truck's been pushing the whole front end in 2WD. Can any metal swarf from IWE gears get in the hubs, which I think are sealed units, and CV axles until I can do this?

 

[lancewi]

Transfer case fluid was changed a couple months ago when I had the transmission serviced. It clunks when it is engaging. Same wheel that was constantly engaged.