This is the 3rd time I have addressed the IWE/Vacuum Hubs in my trucks first 75K. Local dealer(s) provided disappointing partial fixes; so while still under warranty, I did the whole job myself out of pocket to quit wasting time.

Both rubber baffles and plastic gear carriers were cracked and separated. (Supposedly replaced by dealer.) Long term ratcheting/grinding led to edges of hub gear/wheel bearing to round off. Those were expensive. New IWE's from Ford seemed to address the failure points of the old components in their design. Grinding fixed, ratcheting continued.

With the known to be damaged parts replaced, I incrementally replaced the vacuum system that drives them. Replaced Check Valve and Solenoid. Minimal Improvement. Replaced Vacuum Line Set. Minimal Improvement. Replaced Vacuum Reservoir (even though it tested fine). Meaningful Improvement.

So with the entire system completely replaced I am left with the same faint ratcheting noise at speed the truck has basically had since new. The decision then is to either live with it and turn the radio up, and replace the IWE's every time I do struts. Or buy a GM/Toyota.

My 2015 Ford F150 makes a grinding noise when it first hits the road on cold mornings, it lasts about 1/2 mile. The first time it happened I thought I was dragging a tree branch, but there was nothing under the car. I've had it to the dealer many times, but they have never heard the noise, I've left it with them several days to run cold whenever they want, but still nothing...but it happens to me any time its cold.

I checked several forums and it seems that this problem is somewhat common, its been described as a vacuum issue with the front wheel hubs. According to other owners, the repairs have varied from $10 hose, to replacement of the IWE solenoid, or the IWEs themselves. I have told them of my findings in these forums, but my dealer has indicated that until they hear the noise themselves, nothing they do is covered under warranty. Since my warranty period ends in July, they will probably not hear the noise until August. I've complained to Ford directly too, and while they are aware of this issue and have issued several service bulletins, I still have no resolution for my truck.

I own a 2015 Ford F-150, There is a loud grinding noise occasionally coming from the front tires, had in in for service dealer said it had something to do with the front hubs but couldn't do anything for me because it didn't show up on computer diagnosis. The service tech told me what the problem was but needed to take it for test drive they kept it overnight but the problem didn't show on the 7 mile test drive, 10 minutes after I left the dealer it happened again and 3/4 hours later it happened again, spoke with dealer he said there hands were tied. I've owned Ford auto's for 30+ years with no problems, The first problem I have they are aware of but since it doesn't show on the computer there is nothing they can do, so much for loyalty.