Hello. I posted on here about a week or so ago about my 2014 Ford F150 Fx4 4X4 making a very high pitched grinding noise from the front wheels. I thought that it was my brakes and rotors that needed replaced. so, I replaced both the front pads and rotors and after doing so the sound went away. Up until earlier this morning I was driving through a neighborhood and that loud awful grinding noise came back. I can't guarantee it, but I'm now thinking that it could be the front differential possibly. I had a 2009 GMC Sierra and it made pretty much the same noise and it turned out it had a bad front differential. Now, I realize that these are 2 totally different trucks, but it sounds like it could be a good possibility. I want to take it to the Ford dealership, but I have a feeling they're going to try to tell me unless they hear the noise right away they're going to say they don't know what it is. As I said before, it went almost 2 weeks without doing it up until earlier today and I don't want to waste money diagnosing it thinking it's 100 different things. If someone could give me an idea of what it could be I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!!
It’s hard to fix something correctly if you don’t diagnose it. Are you willing to spend a little to get the wireless steelman kit?
Well, if it was my last resort then I probably would. I remember you recommended that the last time I posted on here and I tried to find it but I could only find the transmitters or whatever their called on Amazon and they were like $60 to $70 a piece.
Ok let’s try to narrow it down - does it make the noise only when in 2WD/4WD? Does it grind on hard pavement or only off-road? Does temperature make a difference? Does RPM affect it? Does it grind in a straight line or only when turning?
Well, to be quite honest, I don't think I've ever even used the 4x4 since I had the truck. So, it only does it when i'm in 2wd and it does it when i'm driving in a straight line and when i'm driving on hard pavement. I've never taken it off road. temperature and rpm does not make a difference. I will say that it tends to happen when i'm doing around 30mph
yeah, that's exactly what mine is doing. I didn't flip in 4x4 but it could be both of the actuators. Also, I heard the solenoid behind the battery could be an indicator too.
Do you think I should have them take a look at both of the actuators and the solenoid?
Yup, that’s what I would do. Good luck & please keep up posted.
ok. thank you very much. You went above and beyond. I will definitely keep posted.
You can diagnose it yourself is you wish to save money - https://www.f150forum.com/f72/how-diagnose-your-4x4-system-esof-186872/