Crazy IWE problem
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
Crazy IWE problem
I bought a 2007 ford f150 5.4 fx4 and the 4x4 would grind at the IWE hubs so I did all the vacuum diagnostics and everything checked out. So I pulled one side apart and it was severely worn. Then I decided to just order all new ones and axles and bearing hubs just so everything was new. Once everything installed I decided to leave the vacuum lines off the hubs and turn the axles to make sure it is the hubs are locked in and when I spun the axles the grinding was still there! Then I put vacuum on the new iwe hubs and they hold vacuum, so now what I'm just exhausted 🤷
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 276
From: Virginia Beach
you said you pulled one side apart it it was severely worn ? the hub or the CV half shaft ? and you are saying you replaced both ?
did you do both sides ? are you sure they were mated properly prior to tightening down ?
did you do both sides ? are you sure they were mated properly prior to tightening down ?
Last edited by techrep; Jan 11, 2026 at 07:31 AM.
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
I cleaned every mating surface and the old grease and grime so all the new parts didn't get contaminated, but i talked to a ford technician and he asked what grease I used to assemble everything with and I use valvoline red tacky grease, he then said to tear everything back apart and then clean all the tacky grease and use a light high temperature lithium grease ford recommends for the IWE hubs, he said that red tacky grease with make them stick especially in cold weather, so that's what I am doing now
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 510
I've seen slow engagement of the IWEs from poor vac flow due to clogs in the lines. Somehow small pebbles get in there. Unplug both ends and blow with compressed air. Use your judgment combined with contrasting each side against the other -- does one seem more restricted than the other? Of course the best is the smoking gun of hearing a little pop as something is forced out and then flow increases.
If there's a partial blockage vacuum can "trickle" to the IWEs and they don't engage immediately, and if you catch them in the "middle range" of vac they'll grind. However if the unit is healthy it should disengage almost immediately once vacuum is vented. Slow disengagement is likely a weak spring, dirty grease or clogged vent
If there's a partial blockage vacuum can "trickle" to the IWEs and they don't engage immediately, and if you catch them in the "middle range" of vac they'll grind. However if the unit is healthy it should disengage almost immediately once vacuum is vented. Slow disengagement is likely a weak spring, dirty grease or clogged vent
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 62
From: Raytown MO
Get these and be done with the vacuum system problems.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-101732-600-405.aspx
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-101732-600-405.aspx
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Trailering
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 23
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UPDATE FIXED
I did forget to mention when I bought this truck used it had a full 6" rough country lift every thing was done right with the installation had the drop diff, spindles ect... I found the instructions and receipt of where it was installed. My mind went I bet it takes slip axle shafts but the kit instructions said nothing about needing them, so I called Rough County and they said that you can get by without slip axles but overtime they will damage the IWE hubs. So I pulled the new stock replacement axles I just put in and returned them and got slip axles and installed them and BOOM FIXED, IT even rides better up front because it has 3 more inches of travel and less bind
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