Front 4x4 wheels won't lock in and grinding noise

SOURCE: Scraping grinding noise in front passenger side

When both a scraping and grinding noise is heard from a wheel, it typically indicates a problem with the brakes, not the bearings. If when the brakes are applied, the noise changes, it does indicate a possible brake issue. I would first check the brakes and then take a close look at the bearings, as they can still cause the grinding noise, but not typically the scraping noise. Hope this is helpful.

Charles McElchar

• 389 Answers
• Posted on Oct 07, 2009

SOURCE: 2005 ford f150 4x4

Is your tyre's all the same size. Incorrect tyre's will change the racio from back to front and both driveshaft's are'nt turning at the same speed then it will grind. When trying to take it out of 4WD their will be preasure on the driveshaft's and this will leave if hard to disengage. Put it in 4WD drive it forward try the gearshift if it's hard to move then reverce a bit and try again it should come out easily. For all 4WD systems it is recumended thet the vehicle is reversed a few mitre's tto fully disengage the 4WD

SOURCE: grinding noise in front wheel just changed pads not pads

sound like front wheel bearings badly worn.

SOURCE: my 2006 Ford F-150 has a grinding noise in the

Sounds like you have a IWE that the gears are ground down, or a bad vacuum line to that side.

This could have been caused by the IWE ( Integrated Wheel End ) solenoid ) TSB :
http://my.voyager.net/~sscully/file_tsb06_08_15.pdf

You can check the vacuum line with a vacuum pump and gauge tester, just to be sure, but considering it is grinding while in 4WD, I would say the IWE needs to be replaced on that side. Maybe change the IWE solenoid while you are doing the work ( it will be a rounding error on the total cost )

SOURCE: Grinding sound - front passenger wheel well Ford F-150 in 2 wheel

Today and over the weekend .I too had the same problem. Took it to the dealer and they tested everything and could not find the problem. Did vac test on the lines, Test drove it with code tester to see if there was any problems . Checked the hubs... They replaced the IWE solenold. Just hope that is the fix and it didn;t damage anything else... Thanks for the above info!