I have a 2007 FX4. The right front hub makes a clicking noise while driving. When I give the engine throttle, when I let off of the gas peddle, then it stops. Vacuum line leak maybe? Does anyone have any ideas?

 

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

 

OK that's sounds like a good start. Thanks for the info.

 

going by your name i assume you have the rize 12". after i did my 8" i had the same problem with the crappy vac. hoses they give you to extend the lines to your hubs. i took mine to my local 4x4 shop and i have no idea where they found it but they found some longer lines like whats on there stock. they ran them from the hubs to the inner fenders where they couple and that solved my problem.

 

Sorry to steal your thread on ya, but i have an 04 XLT 4x4 and it has been making a god-aweful screaching/grinding noise coming from the front drivers side wheel somewhere. It is definately metal on metal, but the pitch/frequency doesnt change when i am on the brakes. It doesnt make the sounds when accelerating, but it does when i let off the gas. Could this be a similar problem? Any ideas?

 

Yeah i have the 12" rize and I was afraid of that vacuum line extension. Thanks guys for all the info. Scooter may have a similar problem. Scooter do you have extended vacuum lines?

 

I bought the truck used a couple months ago, and i havent heard about this vacuum line problem until today. I found another thread about this problem and posted there (it is right below this thread at the mo). I will definately be checking for that though. Thanks

 

I believe mine is doing it from water intrusion. I took it to an automatic wash last night, and this morning the front end is squeeking. Couldn't you just take an air compressor and blow it out to dry up all the water.