Well, its the 2nd time this noise has happened to me since I bought my truck in December 07. There is a grinding/sqealing noise coming from my front driver side tire area.. I have no clue, it gets louder when I give it more gas. I stop the truck to see what the problem is and nothing, I drive away and its no longer there?? The truck was in 2wd both times.. Any clues fellas?? Thanks,

John

 

Get your brakes looked at.

 

I had something similar. It turned out to be the idler pulley.

 

Could be wheel bearings, a pulley, or brakes.

 

You could have a bad wheel bearing/ hub assy. We do sell a few of these from time to time.

Barry

03 F-150 reg cab 4x4

( ford parts man )

 

Go find a dirt road and shift into 4x4 and try to get it to make the noise. If it doesn't you IWE is causing the noise. There is a spring in the IWE that locks up the hub. When in 4x2 a vacuum diaphragm pulls the spring back and unlocks the hub. A partial loss of vacuum or a defective IWE will allow the spring to partially engage causing the grinding noise. A defective solenoid or water intrusion in the system will cause the symptoms. Have the dealer look up
TSB number 06-8-15 (publication date April 18, 2006).

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Here's the TSB in case anyones interested

FORD: 2004-2006 F-150
LINCOLN: 2006 Mark LT


ISSUE:
Some 2004-2006 F-150 and 2006 Mark LT 4X4 vehicles built before 4/24/2006 may exhibit a noise in 2 wheel drive from the front Integrated Wheel Ends (IWE) and/or the 4X4 system being inoperative. The IWE solenoid may have ingested water and passed it to the IWE system causing water contamination in the vacuum portion of the system. A shorted IWE solenoid can set the codes C1979 and C1980. If either code is present, the 4WDH light will be inoperative.

ACTION:
Use the following Service Procedure to check and repair the 4X4 system.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Replace the IWE solenoid. Torque the new design bracket and solenoid to 62 lb-in (7 N-m). It will be necessary to remove the vacuum lines from each IWE down at the wheels to check for water being present.
If no water is present at the vacuum line at the IWE, install the new solenoid with bracket. Reconnect all vacuum hoses.
If water is present allow it to drain from the vacuum lines. Then follow the updated procedure outlined in 2006 Workshop Manual (WSM) on-line version, Section 308-07A, Pin Point Tests B21 and B22. These tests checks IWE leak rates with vacuum and will remove any residual water from the IWE. Reconnect all vacuum hoses.
If the IWE looses vacuum quicker than specification. Refer to WSM, Section 204-01B for normal diagnostic procedures.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
6L3Z-9E441-A IWE Solenoid


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
060815A 2004-2006 F-150 4X4 and 2006 Mark LT 4X4: Check Diagnostic Trouble Codes And Replace The IWE Solenoid (Includes Time To Check For Water At The Wheels) (Do Not Use With 12650D) 0.5 Hr.
MT060815 Claim Additional Labor Required As Actual Time Or Use SLTS Operation If Available Actual Time

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
9E441 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

Copyright © 2006 Ford Motor Company


Barry

03 F-150 reg cab 4x4

( Ford parts man )

 

Would something like this be covered under my warranty? If it turns out to be this. Thanks for the advice guys

John

 

It sounds like you bought your truck used? Did you buy an extended warranty plan? If so, you'll need to call the dealer and ask. They will run your vin on the Ford Oasis system to see what your plan covers. If you bought a aftermarket plan, they may or may not cover it. Those plans are garbage and I don't recommend them. THey are here today, gone tomorrow. Ford ESP is the only wat to go. THey offer 3 plans that cover more as you go up.

Barry

03 Ford F-150 reg cab 4x4

( Ford parts man )

 

I actually still have factory warranty left. 10,000km's or till July 08.. And I already have an appointment with my dealer. Thanks guys

 

My truck is making this same screaching noise. It sounds like metal on metal, and gives me the same feeling as finger nails on a chalk board. If it is this problem with the IWE, what sort of damage does this cause?

 

Any idea what something like this would cost to repair? Can serious damage occur from neglecting this for some time?
I've heard this about a dozen times already. Sometimes I don't hear it for a week at a time.
Thanks,
Paul.

 

I'm having the same issue. It all started yesterday on my way to work. I had a grinding noise from the left front wheel. Once I stoped, the noise went away and didn't happen again until this morning going about 60 mph. Once I slowed down, I heard a "clunk" and the noise went away. It sure sounds like the 4WD is trying to engage. Is it correct to assume the solenoid is the issue and I better fix it before I ruin the hubs when they try and engage at high speed again?

 

For those of you with IWE 04+ F-150s
The IWE has a spring that pushes a collar that locks the axle stub end to axle. This makes a solid connection and allows the half shaft to send power to turn the wheel. A vacuum source pulls back on this spring to disengage the axle to allow 2 wheel drive. The default position is locked so if there is ever a vacuum failure you can still use 4x4. When ever there is a leak that allows a loss of vacuum the IWE defaults back to the lock mode. If it is a partial leak then the disengagement is not complete and there is grinding. If the IWE gets contaminated with water or for some other reason it fails there can be grinding.
The solenoid on the firewall is what controls the vacuum to the IWE. If it fails or leaks there can be grinding.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Well last week I took in my truck for warranty on that noise. They said it was my bearings... Well it wasn't, the noise is back again! When I heard the noise I flicked the switch to 4x4 and the noise immediately went away.. Gotta take it back again and TELL them to check the IWE..