2005 ford f150 Fx4 So last Friday I started hearing a grinding noise from the passenger side front of my truck. sounded like metal on metal. So I started rooting around and noticed that bottom ball joints were shot. so replaced bottom ball joints on both side. I aslo replaced wheel bearing hub assembly on both sides, still heard the grinding. So I noticed that both axles were slinging grease, so I replaced them on both sides. Still heard the grinding noise. So then I removed everything from the passenger side and noticed that the locking hub actuator was grinding both axle and the wheel bearing hub. So I just got done replacing that on the passenger side, put it all back together, and still grinding noise. Also replaced the 4wd solenoid that they said gets water in it, and I replaced the check valve. And I put new Rotors and breaks. Does anyone have any other idea of what it could be? I'm driving my self crazy and going broke. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the site..

Did you check vacuum application, and weather it bleeds off?

 

After you check the vacuum as Hayapower suggested if you did not find anything you might consider trying to remove the front driveshaft, which you should mark the positions of the flanges before removing so the shaft can be installed exactly as presently on the vehicle. You might find a questionable u-joint in the process. If the joints are OK, what result you get will help narrow down if driveline or other problem.

 

RH Front IWE is partially engaging due to vacuum leak.
Check/replace the IWE Solenoid on firewall-- RH side behind the battery.
Ford p/n6L3Z-9E441-A cost about $28- also available at NAPA/A-Zone, etc.

old one

new one (top) has a shield/cover to keep out water, unlike to old one (bottom of pic).

About a 15 minute project once you have the new part in your hands!