ive noticed lately that when i stop, then drive i get a slight grinding more of a squealing noise coming from the front left tire. after a few minutes i hear a "clunk" then the noise stops. after i make the next stop, the process starts over again. this is not every time i drive it.
if it is the IWE solenoid can i simply clean it out and put my own hood over it like the new design or is the new one different besides the hood on them?
should i also blow out the vacuum lines?

thanks.

also, is this the NEW updated actuator's part number?

6L3Z*9E441*A

 

Take the vacuum line off of the solenoid and plug the vacuum line. Drive the truck. Is the noise still there? If the noise is gone, you've found the area of concern. It's common for these things to make clunking sound. Ford has the unit default to 4x4 when vacuum falls off. The noise you're hearing is the unit engaging the 4x4. I'd be looking for other vacuum leaks before replacing the unit though. I believe these solenoids are less than $50.00 at the dealer. Considering you have the 5.4, the first area I would check is the elbow behind the intake for the PCV system. they are a known area of leakage.

 

could i just put it in 4WD and try it for a little while? or is the method you mentioned really the only way to test the unit?

 

Use the search function - it's a wondeful thing. Better yet, the subject of IWE problems has been discussed to death here. No need to add more posts.

 

i agree with labnerd. u mite have a vacuum leak somewhere. and yes that part number is the new updated solenoid with the rain hat.

 

thanks friends. ill will check for leaks.
lets say i find no leaks and the actuator is bad,

can you clean them out and put your own "rain hat" on them?

 

If it doesn’t do it all the time that would make me believe it is the solenoid.

What you can do is when you hear the grinding put the truck in 4x4, it should go away.

Also drive with the wires for the solenoid unplugged, that should stop the grinding sound.

Last month I just replaced my solenoid which already has the cover over it.

 

Read;

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...replacing.html

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/83...then-some.html

The repairs are easy for an average backyard mechanic. Solenoid runs about $23, IWEs are about $75 each.

 

^^^
thank you!
that 2ND link is exactly what i was looking for.
the first is kind of thrown around with dif. info in 12 pages...little confusing.
i found that first link before i posted but i was just confused about the whole thing.

 

I actually edited and upgraded the trouble shooting post by xjcamaro, but some pages won't allow my version to attach. I have it in word format if you want it. I also shamelessly stole a lot of photos from various posts. XJC did most of the actual legwork though. His info saved me over $1K in labor charges.

 

after searching for leaks i found this! shouldnt that be open? as in the vent/drain?
this is right next to the fuel rail on the passenger side.






one more thing....
does the vacuum line on the IWE just pull right off to pressure test?

 

i tested the actuator (on the fire wall)
22LBS of vacuum with one end capped and 4WD turned on. i lost 1LB. in a 3 minute span

both lines tested, pulled lines of actuator (on fire wall). both were tested @ 22LBS.
they lost ALMOST 1LB. after 4 minutes.

pulled the lines off the IWE's and they were clean. no dirt or water in them?

 

We're playing tag on different forums! The line you're holding is the vent and should be open/unobstructed. Yes the double line on the top of the IWE should come right off. If it's dry it might need a little gentle coaxing. The larger line is for the vacuum, and the smaller line is the vent.

 

hahhaa, yeah. i wasnt getting many responses here so i opted for a different source. no PUN intended for anyone, i know this has been beaten to death but i just needed to post it myself to better understand it.
also, i found a bad check valve..the one on the bottom line located near the solenoid on the firewall. i havent been able to retest it or see if its fixed because of the rain.
i was able to check the IWE's themselves and they were fine. held vacuum and passed the leak test. so hopefully it was a $4.75 fix!

 

well, new valve isnt working. turns out it cant hold vacuum. just leaks like crazy.
tomorrow im going to find a better/new one.