IWE WTF FYI

[FordTechOne]

Yup, pretty much identical experience on my end as well. I have an extra check valve that I'll likely install. My dealer ordered new solenoids as that was the only thing that wasn't replaced in the last TSB. He said if the noise comes back, then he'll condemn the front end and do a full replacement of those parts. I would think a recall would at least be in order for those trucks that have the symptoms.

Recalls are for safety issues. Not hub disconnect noises that can easily be resolved by any competent service technician.

It’s a simple vacuum operated system. It has a single solenoid, a reservoir, a check valve, and lines that go to each IWE. If you get a grinding noise on acceleration in 2WD, you have a leak (solenoid, line, or IWE) or a bad check valve. The system can be diagnosed with nothing more than a vacuum pump/gauge. The Workshop has a comprehensive diagnostic procedure that allows root cause to be easily isolated.

 

[solsurfr]

Recalls are for safety issues. Not hub disconnect noises that can easily be resolved by any competent service technician.

It’s a simple vacuum operated system. It has a single solenoid, a reservoir, a check valve, and lines that go to each IWE. If you get a grinding noise on acceleration in 2WD, you have a leak (solenoid, line, or IWE) or a bad check valve. The system can be diagnosed with nothing more than a vacuum pump/gauge. The Workshop has a comprehensive diagnostic procedure that allows root cause to be easily isolated.

FT0!! Thank you again! You helped with me with the first time this happened. My dealer perfomed the TSB that you sent to me and it seemed to help. Fast forward a year later and the grinding is back. The shop foreman at the dealership said the only thing that wasn't replaced as part of the TSB was the solenoid so it's been on order now for the past two weeks. according the service manager, they are having problems getting parts from ford. Long delays. I went ahead replaced the check valve with the spare that was in my glove box. It didn't help. The grinding is still there at 2WD and at low speeds and turns. And also when I come to a stop. Very disappointing.

 

[FordTechOne]

FT0!! Thank you again! You helped with me with the first time this happened. My dealer perfomed the TSB that you sent to me and it seemed to help. Fast forward a year later and the grinding is back. The shop foreman at the dealership said the only thing that wasn't replaced as part of the TSB was the solenoid so it's been on order now for the past two weeks. according the service manager, they are having problems getting parts from ford. Long delays. I went ahead replaced the check valve with the spare that was in my glove box. It didn't help. The grinding is still there at 2WD and at low speeds and turns. And also when I come to a stop. Very disappointing.

No prob. The noise will typically only occur under acceleration or load, so if you’re hearing it coming to a stop and turning, the IWEs may be damaged or the noise is coming from another source. Does it go away completely in 4WD?

 

[solsurfr]

No prob. The noise will typically only occur under acceleration or load, so if you’re hearing it coming to a stop and turning, the IWEs may be damaged or the noise is coming from another source. Does it go away completely in 4WD?

I hear it most when slowing down to a stop and making slow left turns. Typically, it's prominent at speeds less than 30mphs and the noise is pretty consistent. I do also hear it on acceleration, at times. I can put in 4A or 4H for a period and see if the noise goes away, if that is what your suggesting? I've put in 4A/4H for just a minute or two then back to 2H to try to re-engage the system properly but it doesn't seem to work. With the new check valve, the noise/grinding doesn't seem "as" loud but it's still noticeably there and I can also feel the vibrations in the gas/brake pedals.

 

[FordTechOne]

I hear it most when slowing down to a stop and making slow left turns. Typically, it's prominent at speeds less than 30mphs and the noise is pretty consistent. I do also hear it on acceleration, at times. I can put in 4A or 4H for a period and see if the noise goes away, if that is what your suggesting? I've put in 4A/4H for just a minute or two then back to 2H to try to re-engage the system properly but it doesn't seem to work. With the new check valve, the noise/grinding doesn't seem "as" loud but it's still noticeably there and I can also feel the vibrations in the gas/brake pedals.

That is not a typical IWE noise; it sounds like you have something else going on. IWE noise occurs due to a vacuum issue, which causes the hubs to partially engage momentarily under heavy acceleration or loads. If you have those types of noises occurring under all conditions, you most likely have damaged hubs or an unrelated issue with a wheel bearing, brakes, axle, etc. 4A engages the IWEs, so if they are not damaged the noise will no longer be present.

 

[solsurfr]

That is not a typical IWE noise; it sounds like you have something else going on. IWE noise occurs due to a vacuum issue, which causes the hubs to partially engage momentarily under heavy acceleration or loads. If you have those types of noises occurring under all conditions, you most likely have damaged hubs or an unrelated issue with a wheel bearing, brakes, axle, etc. 4A engages the IWEs, so if they are not damaged the noise will no longer be present.

Thanks for information, FT0! I'll pass this on to my dealer. I have noticed over the past couple of days since I installed the new check valve, that the vibration/noise is not as consistent. I hear it slightly now mainly on deceleration (and sometimes on acceleration) with slight pedal vibrations.

 

[Donovan]

When I go from 2 to 4A, it does have this sticky feeling and then it slams in.

 

[solsurfr]

When I go from 2 to 4A, it does have this sticky feeling and then it slams in.

I've had the "slamming into gear" issue a couple of times. My dealer flashes the trans and asks me to drive easy for about 20 trips to allow the software to "learn" my driving nuances. After the most recent flash, it seems to be ok but once it slams once, it seems to never end from there. Another annoyance for sure.

 

[Donovan]

In terms of when the IWE engages....

Does anyone had a diagram or an animated video/gif to show how it works?

 

[solsurfr]

In terms of when the IWE engages....

Does anyone had a diagram or an animated video/gif to show how it works?

I just watched this video the other day. It helped: