Full Answer
How to replace the check valve?
Feb 18, 2022 · The IWE is a vacuum system that engages and disengages the front wheel hubs. When the check valve goes bad, it looses the ability to hold the vacuum and the front wheel hubs tries to engage involuntarily. For the uninitiated, Ford's Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system is what locks and unlocks the front hubs when
Where is the environmental vacuum check valve?
Jan 25, 2020 · What is IWE check valve? The IWE is a vacuum system that engages and disengages the front wheel hubs. When the check valve goes bad, it looses the ability to hold the vacuum and the front wheel hubs tries to engage involuntarily. Click to see full answer. Besides, what is an IWE?
How to check the solenoid valve?
Aug 30, 2021 · IWE or Check Valve. 2016 F-150 with eco boost. Got a lot of good info here for troubleshooting the grinding sound cause by the IWE. Just one quick simple question before moving on. Got the grinding from the drivers side front wheel only. I tested and check the vacuum system and everything seems to work, but that's just sitting in driveway at idle.
How to check and clean the PCV valve?
The whole IWE system is made up of 4 parts where the solenoid plays an important role. It controls the vacuum flow when you change drives from 2WD to 4WD or vice versa. Like any other component of the truck, it can go bad for various reasons. The first thing you have to know is bad IWE solenoid symptoms.
What does Ford IWE stand for?
For the uninitiated, Ford's Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system is what locks and unlocks the front hubs when you change back and forth from 2WD and 4WD.
How does IWE work?
When the engine is started and running, vacuum is exerted on the entire system, unlocking the IWE actuators. When the engine is turned off or 4WD is engaged (either by floor shifter of dial selector) vacuum is released by the IWE solenoid to the actuators at the wheels.Mar 29, 2009
How do I know if my IWE vacuum?
0:003:53Quick F150 IWE 4x4 Actuator System Check from solenoid down to HubsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's free spinning no axle movement at all that means that iwe is holding vacuum it'sMoreAnd it's free spinning no axle movement at all that means that iwe is holding vacuum it's disengaging.
How do you test an IWE solenoid?
5:537:19Ford IWE Solenoid Troubleshooting and Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck vacuum out the lines down to your vacuum hubs if you don't have the same vacuum. If the vacuumMoreCheck vacuum out the lines down to your vacuum hubs if you don't have the same vacuum. If the vacuum is less you need to start checking over the lines.
How much does it cost to replace a hub actuator?
Labor costs are estimated between $96 and $121 while parts are priced between $380 and $409. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
What does a 4x4 solenoid do?
When the engine is turned off or 4WD is engaged (either by floor shifter of dial selector) vacuum is released by the IWE solenoid to the actuators at the wheels. So vacuum to the actuators at the wheel unlocks the hubs for 2WD and release of vacuum by the solenoid locks them for 4WD.Jun 11, 2020
How do Ford vacuum hubs work?
For this design, the vacuum is placed on the system unlocking the hubs while the truck runs in 2-wheel drive mode. When shifting to 4-wheel drive, vacuum is released, which locks the hubs. This leaves the front axle locked for fail-safe operation.May 3, 2021
How do you test a 4WD solenoid?
3:065:01DIY How to test 4WD vacuum actuator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd make sure that there's no cracks. So as you can see this has no cracks. And that on top of thatMoreAnd make sure that there's no cracks. So as you can see this has no cracks. And that on top of that because all these are connected together that lets us know that the other actuator is not leaking.
How does F150 actuator work?
The actuator on the Ford F150 connects the wheel hub to the axle shaft when the 4WD mode is selected. More precisely, it disconnects the hub and the axle when the 4WD mode is not engaged, reducing driveline loss caused by spinning an otherwise non-rotating axle.
How do I check my Ford IWE?
3:3012:42Ford Iwe Diagnostic Aid & Replacement (Complete Guide)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo ahead select foil drive and you're actually going to feel that there are is not going to be anyMoreGo ahead select foil drive and you're actually going to feel that there are is not going to be any more vacuum being supplied to the iwe. If you do have vacuum. On this line in four wheel.
What is an IWE check valve?
What is IWE check valve? The IWE is a vacuum system that engages and disengages the front wheel hubs. When the check valve goes bad, it looses the ability to hold the vacuum and the front wheel hubs tries to engage involuntarily. Click to see full answer. Similarly one may ask, what is an IWE?
How does IWE work?
Likewise, how does Ford IWE work? The IWE system consists of a vacuum reservoir, IWE vacuum solenoid, IWE hubs, vacuum hoses and a check valve. The IWE hubs engage the front wheel hubs to the front axle shafts or disengage them when the 4WD mode is turned off. That DISENGAGES the front hubs from the front axle shafts.
What is the vacuum motor on a differential?
The vacuum motor, which is mounted on the right side of the differential, moves an axle clutch gear that engages the right-side axle to the differential. The motor diaphragm uses two vacuum hoses—one to pull and the other to push—each controlled by a separate solenoid that's commanded by the GEM.
How to check solenoid valves?
One close to the intake and one in the same line close to the solenoid. Pull those check valves off and check them. An easy way to check them is to blow (with your mouth, not compressed air, this will blow them out, i know) You should be able to blow through one end and not the other at all.
How to check if a vacuum pump is working?
Check the following: One wheel at a time unplug the double vacuum hoses from the actuators at the wheel located behind the steering knuckle. Put your vacuum pump on the big hose fitting and pump up the pump. If it is working correctly you will be able to build up vacuum and it will hold.
What happens when a 4WD is disengaged?
When 4WD is disengaged, the solenoid is opened back up, the high vacuum from the reserve from the vacuum box is then used to then exert vacuum on the lines to the actuators unlocking the actuators no matter what the vacuum from the engine is. When this little bit of vacuum is lost in the reserve it is then rebuilt from the engine ...
What happens when you shift to 4WD?
When shifting to 4WD vacuum is released, locking in the hubs. A vacuum leak at any part of the system can cause failure. When the engine is started and running, vacuum is exerted on the entire system, unlocking the IWE actuators. When the engine is turned off or 4WD is engaged (either by floor shifter of dial selector) vacuum is released by ...
How does vacuum work in an engine?
When the vacuum builds when the engine is started, the vacuum from the intake via a vacuum line exerts vacuum on the entire IWE system all the way to the actuators. The first check valve locks the vacuum at the highest vacuum that is exerted from the engine from that check valve down. The vacuum box now holds that highest vacuum exerted also.
What happens if a vacuum pump fails?
If it holds its good. If one or both of these fail, the high constant vacuum will not be held correctly in the system and while driving, the vacuum could drop too low and try to engage the actuators.
What is the vacuum box in a 4WD?
As you start to understand the vacuum system and series of check valves, you will see that the vacuum box that is located between the two check valves does in fact act as a reserve. When you engage the 4WD, vacuum is released by the solenoid and locks the line from draining back. This process allows the lines and vacuum box between ...
Signs of A Bad IWE Solenoid
The most obvious sign of having a bad IWR solenoid problem is having awful grinding and sounds of engine suffering.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad IWE Solenoid?
Let me describe some common symptoms that would tell you how to detect a bad IWE solenoid.
What to Do When You Detect A Bad IWE Solenoid?
As soon as you can confirm that the IWE solenoid is not working properly, you have to replace it.
Is Replacing A Bad IWE Solenoid Typically Expensive?
Replacing a bad IWE solenoid is not expensive at all. The steps for doing it are so simple that anyone can do it.
How Often Should You Inspect IWE Solenoid?
Those solenoids are very durable and don’t go bad very often. So, there are no exact timelines for inspecting it.
Final Thoughts
I hope that knowing these bad IWE solenoid symptoms will be helpful for keeping your truck healthy and reliable at all times.
When installing an IWE, is it important to vacuum the shaft?
When installing an IWE it is extremely important to apply vacuum to the IWE when installing axle shaft in the hub. Line everything up, apply vacuum to the IWE, install the shaft in the hub bolt the IWE to the hub, get the spindle nut torqued, then you can remove vacuum.
What is vacuum pump?
A vacuum pump is a great tool to diagnose this system. You can apply vacuum to test lines and isolated components or use it as a gauge. If you apply vacuum to the IWE vacuum actuator and it does not hold, it is likely the problem. Applying vacuum to the lines allows you to wiggle them and check for leaks.
Where is the solenoid on a 2011 F150?
The solenoid on the 2011-2016 F150s is actually located on the driver's side firewall near the brake fluid reservoir. On the 2004-2008 F150s, it was located on the passenger's side. If you're having trouble finding it, trace the driver's side IWE line from the driver's side actuator up toward the firewall.
