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.
In this way, what is an IWE?
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.
One may also ask, 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.
Likewise, where is the IWE solenoid located?
IWE Located behind the battery on the firewall.
How does vacuum 4×4 work?
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.
8 Related Question Answers Found
How do I know if my VCT solenoid is bad?
Here are a few symptoms of a worn out or broken VVT solenoid. Check Engine Light comes on. Since today’s modern cars are controlled by an Engine Control Unit (ECU), virtually all individual components are monitored by the ECU. Engine oil is dirty. Rough engine idle. Decrease in fuel economy.
What does the 4 wheel drive actuator do?
The four-wheel drive axle actuator housing, sometimes called the axle disconnect housing, is part of the differential that houses the gears and shift fork required to lock both front axles together. Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems allow the engine to drive all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously.
How does Ford 4×4 actuator work?
The hub actuators connect the axle shaft to the wheel hub automatically when 4WD is selected. More accurately, they disconnect the axle and hub when the 4WD system is not engaged, reducing driveline loss caused by spinning an otherwise non-rotating axle.
How do auto locking hubs work?
On many 4×4 trucks, automatic locking hubs are used to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. When the driver shifts to two-wheel drive, the clutch mechanism inside the hub slides back out and releases the hub, allowing the wheel to turn independent of its axle shaft.
Is it bad to drive with your hubs locked?
Good news is that you will not need to stop for shifting into 4WD – with the locking hubs engaged the drive lines are synchronized. Leaving your hubs locked will cause no damage to your vehicle and will not influence it’s handling.
How do you test a 4×4 system?
How to Test a Four-wheel Drive Locate the four-wheel drive high button on the dash. Drive the vehicle as normal and press the button or shift into 4Hi. Turn the vehicle to the left and right while moving. Locate the four-wheel drive low button on the dash or shifter. Stop the vehicle. Engage 4Lo by pressing the button or shifting.
How can you tell if your four wheel drive is working?
Test Method Two: Lift Your Car You don’t need your vehicle very high, just enough to get your tires off the ground. Then hit the gas while someone outside the vehicle checks to see if all the tires move. If they are all moving, your four-wheel drive should be working great.
What is a vacuum actuator?
A vacuum actuator has a chamber that it uses to create vacuum pressure. As air leaves the actuator, a vacuum is created, which causes outside pressure to act on the diaphragm of the actuator. The pressure then overtakes the spring inside the actuator and allows it to open.