What is IWE check valve? 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.
Full Answer
How to replace the check valve?
- Schedule routine inspection and documentation of valve condition.
- Perform non-destructive examination of valve seating surfaces and base metal pressure-containing components.
- Maintain seating surface condition through a repair process such as the one described in this article.
Where is the environmental vacuum check valve?
check valve or air inlet valve (down stream side) is spring loaded for an open position to the atmosphere and only closes when the supply water is turned on. When the supply pressure drops to or below atmospheric pressure (below 0 gauge pressure), the second check valve opens to the atmosphere and the first check valve closes.
How to check the solenoid valve?
How to Troubleshoot the Solenoid Valve on Rainbird Automatic Sprinklers
- Locate the solenoid on the water valve.
- Unscrew the plunger from the valve by turning the solenoid counterclockwise.
- Remove any dirt or debris from inside the plunger well. ...
- Remove the wires from the solenoid unit by pulling on the connectors.
- Set a voltmeter, a unit used for the testing of electrical voltage, to the ohms setting.
How to check and clean the PCV valve?
How to Test Your PCV Valve
- Locate the PCV Valve. To start checking the PCV system in your vehicle, first, locate the PCV valve and its related components.
- Check the PCV Valve System. Luckily, once you locate the valve, it doesn't take much to check the system. ...
- Alternative Testing a PCV Valve During Engine Operation. ...
- Finding Moisture in the PCV Valve or System. ...
What does Ford IWE stand for?
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.
How does IWE work?
When the engine is started and running, vacuum is exerted on the entire system, unlocking the IWE actuators. When the engine is turned off or 4WD is engaged (either by floor shifter of dial selector) vacuum is released by the IWE solenoid to the actuators at the wheels.Mar 29, 2009
How do I check my Ford IWE?
3:3012:42Ford Iwe Diagnostic Aid & Replacement (Complete Guide)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo ahead select foil drive and you're actually going to feel that there are is not going to be anyMoreGo ahead select foil drive and you're actually going to feel that there are is not going to be any more vacuum being supplied to the iwe. If you do have vacuum. On this line in four wheel.
How do you test an IWE solenoid?
1:427:19Ford IWE Solenoid Troubleshooting and Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I can tell right there the check valve works. Because we kept vacuum in there. And now I'm gonnaMoreSo I can tell right there the check valve works. Because we kept vacuum in there. And now I'm gonna plug my gauge so when I start it up we're gonna be able to see how much vacuum. There.
What does IWE mean in automotive?
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.Jun 25, 2020
What is the IWE solenoid Ford F150?
In 2wd the solenoid gets power to open the valve which feeds vacuum to the iwe's allowing the wheels to spin freely, when in 4wd the solenoid also gets power to close the valve, stopping the vacuum and allowing the iwe's to engage.
What is an IWE delete?
The IWE deletes simply keeps the front shafts turning at all times.Jan 30, 2020
How much does it cost to replace a hub actuator?
Labor costs are estimated between $96 and $121 while parts are priced between $380 and $409. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
How does Ford vacuum hubs work?
For this design, the vacuum is placed on the system unlocking the hubs while the truck runs in 2-wheel drive mode. When shifting to 4-wheel drive, vacuum is released, which locks the hubs. This leaves the front axle locked for fail-safe operation.May 3, 2021
How do you test a 4WD solenoid?
3:495:01DIY How to test 4WD vacuum actuator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd make sure that there's no cracks. So as you can see this has no cracks. And that on top of thatMoreAnd make sure that there's no cracks. So as you can see this has no cracks. And that on top of that because all these are connected together that lets us know that the other actuator is not leaking.
How does Ford 4x4 actuator work?
The actuator on the Ford F150 connects the wheel hub to the axle shaft when the 4WD mode is selected. More precisely, it disconnects the hub and the axle when the 4WD mode is not engaged, reducing driveline loss caused by spinning an otherwise non-rotating axle.5 days ago
What is a 4x4 solenoid?
A 4x4 actuator is an electronic device used to engage the front differential on a so-equipped, four-wheel drive vehicle.Feb 21, 2022
How many check valves are in an IWE vacuum line?
This is a rough layout of the IWE vacuum line system. From what i can gather and understand from the vacuum system for IWEs, there are two check valves and when working correctly and without any leaks in the vacuum system they hold the vacuum to the IWEs at a constant vacuum even though the vacuum will change at the intake with engine load and RPMs.
How to check solenoid valves?
One close to the intake and one in the same line close to the solenoid. Pull those check valves off and check them. An easy way to check them is to blow (with your mouth, not compressed air, this will blow them out, i know) You should be able to blow through one end and not the other at all.
How to check if a vacuum pump is working?
Check the following: One wheel at a time unplug the double vacuum hoses from the actuators at the wheel located behind the steering knuckle. Put your vacuum pump on the big hose fitting and pump up the pump. If it is working correctly you will be able to build up vacuum and it will hold.
What happens when a 4WD is disengaged?
When 4WD is disengaged, the solenoid is opened back up, the high vacuum from the reserve from the vacuum box is then used to then exert vacuum on the lines to the actuators unlocking the actuators no matter what the vacuum from the engine is. When this little bit of vacuum is lost in the reserve it is then rebuilt from the engine ...
How does a vacuum box work in a 4WD?
When you engage the 4WD, vacuum is released by the solenoid and locks the line from draining back. This process allows the lines and vacuum box between the two check valves to hold the current highest vacuum even though the engine vacuum is constantly changing and the vacuum from the second check valve to the actuators have been lost. When 4WD is disengaged, the solenoid is opened back up, the high vacuum from the reserve from the vacuum box is then used to then exert vacuum on the lines to the actuators unlocking the actuators no matter what the vacuum from the engine is. When this little bit of vacuum is lost in the reserve it is then rebuilt from the engine when vacuum is increased from the intake.
How to check vacuum on a truck?
If all of this checks out ok check the vacuum straight from the engine. From the line coming off the engine connect your pump to the line and turn on the truck. Watch what poundage of vacuum shows up on your gauge (you will not have to pump it up) should be anywhere from about 17 to 22. I’ve read that 20-22 is normal but mine likes to hover around 18-19 at idle. If this reading is too low you might have another vacuum leak somewhere else on the engine.
How much does it cost to test a vacuum pump?
To test the vacuum system, get a good vacuum pump with a gauge on it, about $60 (or cheaper) at a lot of parts stores.
Where is the vacuum supply for IWE?
Danhere Take another look at that system. You'll see the vacuum supply for the IWE system is tapped off between throttle body and just prior to the PCT, actiVac, whatever it's called. The IWEs rely solely on manifold vacuum.
How often should I clean the check valve on my truck?
For some reason the check valve on my truck needs to be cleaned up every year or two. I can tell when because it does the exact symptoms you describe. Under slight load it’ll start to grind. Checking it in the driveway gives no indication of it either. And it’ll be a faint grinding when it starts acting up. Pretty easy to check by blowing through both ends.
Can you check valves on a 13th gen?
Yup, check valve on the 13th gen seems not uncommon - start with that, then check your IWE's with vacuum separately with the front wheels jacked up.
How does the vacuum work on an IWE engine?
When the vacuum builds when the engine is started, the vacuum from the intake via a vacuum line exerts vacuum on the entire IWE system all the way to the actuators. The first check valve locks the vacuum at the highest vacuum that is exerted from the engine from that check valve down. The vacuum box now holds that highest vacuum exerted also. The second check valve located right before the IWE solenoid holds the highest vacuum to the actuators from what has been exerted from the engine.
How to check a vacuum valve?
There are two small check valves in the line coming off the intake. One close to the intake and one in the same line close to the solenoid. Pull those check valves off and check them. An easy way to check them is to blow (with your mouth, not compressed air, this will blow them out, i know) You should be able to blow through one end and not the other at all. Or you can check it with the pump. One side of the valve will say "VAC" connect your pump to that end and pump it up. It should pump and hold without any leak down. If it does not then replace it. If it holds its good. If one or both of these fail, the high constant vacuum will not be held correctly in the system and while driving, the vacuum could drop too low and try to engage the actuators.
How to check if a vacuum pump is working?
Check the following: One wheel at a time unplug the double vacuum hoses from the actuators at the wheel located behind the steering knuckle. Put your vacuum pump on the big hose fitting and pump up the pump. If it is working correctly you will be able to build up vacuum and it will hold.
Where is the vacuum box located on a 4WD?
As you start to understand the vacuum system and series of check valves, you will see that the vacuum box that is located between the two check valves does in fact act as a reserve. When you engage the 4WD, vacuum is released by the solenoid and locks the line from draining back.
Can actuators be unlocked in 2WD?
This, when working correctly without any leaks always ensures a high enough vacuum to keep the actuators unlocked when your in 2WD, or unlocking quickly when shifting from 4WD to 2WD. A leak in one of the lines,the reserve box, or an actuator, or a faulty check valve will allow a leak down in vacuum somewhere in the system that will allow the actuators to possible try to engage or close to it when not needed while driving, giving you the grinding or whining noise of the gears of the actuators trying to mesh together at highway speeds.
How many parts are in an IWE system?
The whole IWE system is made up of 4 parts where the solenoid plays an important role.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad IWE Solenoid?
Let me describe some common symptoms that would tell you how to detect a bad IWE solenoid.
How to tell if IWR solenoid is bad?
The most obvious sign of having a bad IWR solenoid problem is having awful grinding and sounds of engine suffering.
When do people pay attention to IWE parts?
Generally speaking, people pay attention to the IWE parts once something goes bad.
Is it expensive to replace an IWE solenoid?
Replacing a bad IWE solenoid is not expensive at all. The steps for doing it are so simple that anyone can do it.
Do you have to inspect solenoid?
No matter what the cause is, you have to inspect the solenoid manually to know how you should troubleshoot the problem.
Can you replace a check valve on a 2WD?
It can happen only while driving in the 2WD model. Even replacing the check valve, actuators, or hub may not solve the issue.
When installing an IWE, is it important to vacuum the shaft?
When installing an IWE it is extremely important to apply vacuum to the IWE when installing axle shaft in the hub. Line everything up, apply vacuum to the IWE, install the shaft in the hub bolt the IWE to the hub, get the spindle nut torqued, then you can remove vacuum.
How to tell if IWE is failing?
When the IWE system starts to fail, the first tell-tale sign is a grinding sound in 2WD, usually only under certain conditions when it first starts, but gets progressively worse as you go along. The grinding is generally caused by the actuators not getting enough vacuum to disengage completely with the hub, and while that sounds simple, there could be several causes. With the truck grinding pretty consistently under part throttle and while turning in 2WD (but not 4WD), I knew something was up with the IWEs. Not knowing how long it had been doing that, I assumed that both the actuators and the hubs were toast, which turned out to be a pretty good assumption.
Does RCV remove IWE actuators?
If all else fails and you're desperate to make the grinding stop, check out RCV's IWE Eliminators, which delete your truck's IWE actuators and permanently lock your CVs to the front hubs. While this generally results in a decrease in fuel economy and some extra wear and tear on the front driveline (though not by a significant amount), at least your grinding will be gone.
Can you change a check valve on a 4WD?
My guess is the check valve is not holding when in 4wd allowing vacuum to be pulled thus disengaging the hubs. Have you changed your check valve? You can change the check valve(part#AL3Z19A563A) only or the entire vacuum hose assembly(part#BL3Z3A788A). Also can look into the solenoid (part#7L1Z9H465B).
Can IWE hubs cause grinding?
It's possible. If the seal between the IWE and hub starts to fail, water can get into the assembly and freeze, causing grinding. Granted, any water intrusion at all can cause grinding, so it's a good idea to get it checked out.
