Ugh, another IWE thread
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7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Black Forest
Ugh, another IWE thread
Hi all, DS IWE noise. I have looked at so many vehicles and threads about this and I have tried:
changed check valve
removed and capped main vacuum hose
replaced the IWE
drove it with a vacuum gauge hooked up with no change
All to no effect.
Unhooking and taping the electrical condition has improved, but not solved it. The noise is much quieter, but increases when turning Left.
I've replace parts, run it with and without vacuum, what am I missing?
changed check valve
removed and capped main vacuum hose
replaced the IWE
drove it with a vacuum gauge hooked up with no change
All to no effect.
Unhooking and taping the electrical condition has improved, but not solved it. The noise is much quieter, but increases when turning Left.
I've replace parts, run it with and without vacuum, what am I missing?
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Disconnect both sides. If that doesn't solve the noise, it could be a hub/wheel bearing issue. If you need to replace one, just replace both.
On my truck, when I pulled the IWEs, the passenger side fell apart, and the driver side was about useless. No way was I going to put new ones in, since they are so problematic. I put in a set of RCV IWE eliminators. No more noise, goes into 4WD without issues, or clunks. The front axles always turn though, since they are now "locked in" all the time. I like simple solutions rather than complex gadgetry.
https://rcvperformance.com/rcv-ultim...VNbM1qusCjfOC3
On my truck, when I pulled the IWEs, the passenger side fell apart, and the driver side was about useless. No way was I going to put new ones in, since they are so problematic. I put in a set of RCV IWE eliminators. No more noise, goes into 4WD without issues, or clunks. The front axles always turn though, since they are now "locked in" all the time. I like simple solutions rather than complex gadgetry.
https://rcvperformance.com/rcv-ultim...VNbM1qusCjfOC3
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 536
From: barton city mi
IMO, if you have the IWE's engaged, via, I think you're saying, by pulling power at the solenoid, and if IWE's are locked, problem sounds more like a bearing going bad.
This is on a 13th gen or older right?
Truck specs could be helpful.
Does it sound like this?
This is on a 13th gen or older right?
Truck specs could be helpful.
Does it sound like this?
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
@johnday That video explains a lot. However, the video says that when the hubs are locked, it's in 4x4. It is not, the hubs are locked, but the transfer case is not engaged. That can only be done via the lever, or switch on the dash. Also, simply having the hubs locked does not make them noisy. Damaged IWEs will make noise though, even is they have no vacuum going to them.
If your IWEs are quiet, a good way to give them longer life is to disconnect the vacuum to them. That 's what Ford was doing prior to the release of the electric IWEs, which are still problematic.
If your IWEs are quiet, a good way to give them longer life is to disconnect the vacuum to them. That 's what Ford was doing prior to the release of the electric IWEs, which are still problematic.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 536
From: barton city mi
@JKBrad Correct on all points.
Good catch. I keep that video bookmarked to show others what the IWE problem sounds like, I'm active usually on the "other" site helping guys with this trouble. Some of the descriptions I see of the noise will make your head spin, one guys moan, is another guys grind, as an example.
It gives a decent run down as to what is happening, even with the mistakes.
Question for you; do you know if when pulling the power to the solenoid, if the TCCM knows it? I recommend many times about doing that as an easy way to stop the grinding, and then do more trouble shooting as soon as you can.
Pulling the vacuum, as you point out, and capping is what Ford recommends on the TOD trans, I'm not aware of any problem doing that on ESOF. Are you aware of anything?
Seems good to be talking to someone else that knows this system.
Good catch. I keep that video bookmarked to show others what the IWE problem sounds like, I'm active usually on the "other" site helping guys with this trouble. Some of the descriptions I see of the noise will make your head spin, one guys moan, is another guys grind, as an example.It gives a decent run down as to what is happening, even with the mistakes.
Question for you; do you know if when pulling the power to the solenoid, if the TCCM knows it? I recommend many times about doing that as an easy way to stop the grinding, and then do more trouble shooting as soon as you can.
Pulling the vacuum, as you point out, and capping is what Ford recommends on the TOD trans, I'm not aware of any problem doing that on ESOF. Are you aware of anything?
Seems good to be talking to someone else that knows this system.
Thread Starter
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7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Black Forest
Welp, I'ma just gonna take it to a shop next payday and quit throwing parts at it. I've got too much arthritis to do suspension work anyways. None of the things I've found to do on the internets has worked, so I'll live with it til then. Thanks for the help guys.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 203
Likes: 24
I just went through this exact thing it's the front differential check oil for glitter is present it needs replacing and Ford says parts are unavailable. Ford gave me an estimate of $8600 you when and if the parts become available. Good luck. 2018 F150 Lariat 3.5
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
@JKBrad Correct on all points. Good catch. I keep that video bookmarked to show others what the IWE problem sounds like, I'm active usually on the "other" site helping guys with this trouble. Some of the descriptions I see of the noise will make your head spin, one guys moan, is another guys grind, as an example.
It gives a decent run down as to what is happening, even with the mistakes.
Question for you; do you know if when pulling the power to the solenoid, if the TCCM knows it? I recommend many times about doing that as an easy way to stop the grinding, and then do more trouble shooting as soon as you can.
Pulling the vacuum, as you point out, and capping is what Ford recommends on the TOD trans, I'm not aware of any problem doing that on ESOF. Are you aware of anything?
Seems good to be talking to someone else that knows this system.
Good catch. I keep that video bookmarked to show others what the IWE problem sounds like, I'm active usually on the "other" site helping guys with this trouble. Some of the descriptions I see of the noise will make your head spin, one guys moan, is another guys grind, as an example.It gives a decent run down as to what is happening, even with the mistakes.
Question for you; do you know if when pulling the power to the solenoid, if the TCCM knows it? I recommend many times about doing that as an easy way to stop the grinding, and then do more trouble shooting as soon as you can.
Pulling the vacuum, as you point out, and capping is what Ford recommends on the TOD trans, I'm not aware of any problem doing that on ESOF. Are you aware of anything?
Seems good to be talking to someone else that knows this system.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 536
From: barton city mi
As far as I know, it's a simple vacuum signal to the solenoid to release once the transfer case is shifted. Also, I believe the removal of vacuum is what ford recommended around 202, when even they gave up on the Warn vacuum hubs. I read posts of brand new trucks that had the vacuum fitting plugged on the IWEs. Even the part time models. That's why I went ahead and used the solid steel IWE eliminators. If you saw the OEM Warn IWEs out of the truck, you's shake your head.
Something I don't understand is why Ford only says to remove and plug the lines on the TOD, but not the ESOF. I've even pulled the plug on my own, just to see what happens, I've got the ESOF. Nothing happened other than the IWE's engaged, steering did feel a little heavier, mileage I really didn't pay much attention to.
Those RCV eliminators appear to be a good idea if someone wants to pull things apart. TBH, on my own if I started having troubles, I'd just pull the solenoid electrical connection, I'm pretty lazy, and getting lazier by the day! Of course, like I suspect many do, is keep driving until the IWE is completely ruined, and to be fair, most don't have an idea how these things work.
Crap, even the electric ones like on the '21 plus, still have trouble. IMO, Ford does not have a better idea regarding these things. Sorta dims their light bulb if ya know what I mean.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
I get it. And as far as using the eliminator sleeve, like I did, I had to pull the IWEs anyway. There was a howling noise like mud tires. I found the passenger side one was destroyed when I took it out. I surprised that with one side unable to function that it didn’t take the front diff with it, as surely one side was locked and the other wasn’t. It only got driven maybe 100 miles after the bad noises started though.
Anyway, good to see you checking in, Johnday. It’s been awhile.
Anyway, good to see you checking in, Johnday. It’s been awhile.
Last edited by JKBrad; Apr 18, 2026 at 08:20 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 536
From: barton city mi
I get it. And as far as using the eliminator sleeve, like I did, I had to pull the IWEs anyway. There was a howling noise like mud tires. I found the passenger side one was destroyed when I took it out. I surprised that with one side unable to function that it didn’t take the front diff with it, as surely one side was locked and the other wasn’t. It only got driven maybe 100 miles after the bad noises started though.
Anyway, good to see you checking in, Johnday. It’s been awhile.
Anyway, good to see you checking in, Johnday. It’s been awhile.
I've been checking in every so often, just haven't had a lot to say.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Oh man, that open front end is likely what saved the diff, wonder what would happen if you were to have had a Torsen or some other locker type, most likely $$$ 100 miles is all it took? Geez, I've walked across parking lots and have heard the grind of death a few times coming from a 150.
I've been checking in every so often, just haven't had a lot to say.
I've been checking in every so often, just haven't had a lot to say.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 203
Likes: 24
They must want to replace the entire diff assembly for that. More than likely it's simply the pinion bearing, which can be replaced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihPn-e9iQk4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihPn-e9iQk4