I have a constant roar in the front end of my truck. I have done some research and seem to think it is 4wd related. No matter what I do with 4wd switch it still roars. I can switch it to 4H and hear a click and it works when I switch it to 4L no click and nothing happens. It just started this weekend after going hunting and driving through creeks and ruff terrain. Do you think changing the Solenoids will fix it. What should I do or check if that does not fix it.

2004 FX4 F150 with 127000 miles.

I just changed breaks and rotors a month ago

 

Well the solenoid did not fix it. I am thinking wheel bearings now? If that does not fix it I am stumped?

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...then-some.html
Check this link. You might have a vacuum leak on one of the hoses or the system ingested some water.

 

There a bunch of things that will cause a rumble, roar and grinding in the front end of these trucks.

Jack up front wheels, start engine and idle. Turn wheels by hand and observe the front drive shaft. It it turns, the problem would tend to indicate that there is a lack of vacuum to the actuator or the actuator is bad, engaging the 4WD. If axle isn't turning, suspect the bearings in the IWE.

Front end "roar" or "rumble" usually indicates IWE replacement time, but could bean the 4WD acuator is trying to engage. If puting in 4WD by the dash switch doesn't quiet it down, then I would lean towards the bearings.

My '04 had it, caused by bearings, not actuator problem, and replacing the IWE immediately cured it. Quiet as a church mouse now. Stealer wanted 500 to do one side. I bought the IWE's at a local parts house, very good quality Moog units, and did both for under 400 and less than an hour on each side. Only one was bad, but decided to do both at same time.

A "grinding noise" or intermittent noises would indicate the 4WD dog is hanging up / trying to engage due to a bad vacuum system, bad vacuum solenoid or bad vacuum actuator on the IWE. The bearings will make noise all the time and may lessen / increase on turns, depending on the side and which way you turn.

Suggest not buying the Pacific Rim cheapies and stick with good US brand name units. A few bucks more, but good stuff that will last and has a warranty. The new IWE's will have new vacuum actuators on them also.

 

I feel stupid because I jacked it up and ran all the tests even had a buddy who knows everything about vehicles come over and double check me. Well guess what? I'm and idiot and have not checked tire pressure in some time and they had less than 30 psi on both tires. Filled them up and roar went away. Only thing I can guess is its getting cold and low tires that are hard as a rock sound load after I replaced all the other things that made noise. I do still plan on changing bearings, IWE, and struts since I have almost 130,000 miles.

 

"If it aint broke, don't fix it" comes to mind. But, w/ 130k on the clock, don't be surprised if things start needing attention. If struts are origional, they have long out lived thier service life.