4x4 not working
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From: Tennessee
ok, it's an 2010 f150 stx 4x4 with the floor shifter for the transfer case. When I shift to 4x4 high or low the passenger side front axle does not operate. What will cause that? I've heard that it could be vacuum related.
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
Vacuum releases the hubs. Jack up and support the front end with stands. Try turning the front wheels with the engine off. Each CV axle should turn when that wheel is spun by hand. If the passenger side axle does not turn, you have a problem with the IWE not releasing vacuum, or a problem with the hub itself.
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From: Sioux Falls Area
Vacuum releases the hubs. Jack up and support the front end with stands. Try turning the front wheels with the engine off. Each CV axle should turn when that wheel is spun by hand. If the passenger side axle does not turn, you have a problem with the IWE not releasing vacuum, or a problem with the hub itself.
The vacuum keeps them disengaged. If you remove the vacuum lines the hubs will be engaged all the time. Hence, if you do this test with the engine off, the axles will not turn. If they do, then something is broken in the IWE. With the engine running, both axles should free wheel. If they don't, it may point to a vacuum problem.
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Brett Foote
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
They don't work that way.
The vacuum keeps them disengaged. If you remove the vacuum lines the hubs will be engaged all the time. Hence, if you do this test with the engine off, the axles will not turn. If they do, then something is broken in the IWE. With the engine running, both axles should free wheel. If they don't, it may point to a vacuum problem.
The vacuum keeps them disengaged. If you remove the vacuum lines the hubs will be engaged all the time. Hence, if you do this test with the engine off, the axles will not turn. If they do, then something is broken in the IWE. With the engine running, both axles should free wheel. If they don't, it may point to a vacuum problem.
And that's, basically, what I said. 
The OP's problem is a lack of engagement of the passenger side hub. With no vacuum, both sides should be engaging. It could be a vacuum issue, if the vacuum in the hub does not vent to allow the IWE to engage; i.e. pinched/plugged line. Also, if there is an internal problem within the IWE, the splines will not mesh under spring pressure when there is no vacuum.
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From: Sioux Falls Area
I read your post wrong.
My bad. I was reading it as turning the axle with the wheel stationary. The way you said is correct. The axle should turn when you turn the wheel with the engine off.
My bad.
My bad. I was reading it as turning the axle with the wheel stationary. The way you said is correct. The axle should turn when you turn the wheel with the engine off.
My bad.
Repaired
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