Slight Rubbing Sound When Slowing Down

[Tremour RB]

FIXED
So i went to the dealership. My truck only 29k under warranty. Of course it stopped making the sound. However drove around with the service manager for about 20min, I had to through it into 4A and then back into 2H, then found an alley with ice and ruts. drove slowly and turn the wheel allot and the sound came back. Manager got to confirm he also heard and felt the vibration in the stirring wheel.
They told me tech had to put the truck on the hoist and use a STETHOSCOPE to hear the problem.
They switched out my driver front IWE. Problem gone,
My truck is 2022 year and they said the IWE is now electronic and not vacuum anymore.
hope this helps someone, i attached photo of the old IWE.

 

[AitchYXE]

I have the same issue. I only noticed when in 2WD. I had the dealer look into it and they said they couldn't recreate it, which is fair, because it was happening to me pretty sporadically. Being winter in Canada, I've mostly been in 4A and it doesn't appear to be happening. When I have switched to 2WD occasionally, it starts happening again. Pretty annoying considering the cost of this vehicle.

 

[TJE]

FIXED
So i went to the dealership. My truck only 29k under warranty. Of course it stopped making the sound. However drove around with the service manager for about 20min, I had to through it into 4A and then back into 2H, then found an alley with ice and ruts. drove slowly and turn the wheel allot and the sound came back. Manager got to confirm he also heard and felt the vibration in the stirring wheel.
They told me tech had to put the truck on the hoist and use a STETHOSCOPE to hear the problem.
They switched out my driver front IWE. Problem gone,
My truck is 2022 year and they said the IWE is now electronic and not vacuum anymore.
hope this helps someone, i attached photo of the old IWE.

Keep us updated, had a few have it replaced and start up again after a few hundred miles

 

[F150Chappy]

My 2021 402A Tremor is doing the same thing. Mine sounds like a rubbing noise coming from the front right wheel. I am going to keep an eye on this thread to see what the permanent fix is. When I take it to the dealer they cant recreate it so I leave with no fix.

 

[SKTrem]

Just got mine back from dealer.. starting getting to the point where it was constant.

Dealer called me while they had it to say they couldn’t replicate noise, however they would replace the actuators. Said this is definitely a known issue and could not guarantee that the issue would go away.

Everything was covered under warranty.. paperwork said they found damaged teeth on the actuators.

So far so good, but we are in warmer temps now.. so not sure.

Also, dealer said they have replaced the entire front ends of some trucks trying to fix with no success. Said there will be a fix just don’t know when Ford will release it. They said Ford advised them to clean the teeth first, that wasn’t working then were advised to use more grease.. that didn’t work either. Seems like replacing actuators is the simplest fix that may or may not be successful.

 

[TJE]

Just got mine back from dealer.. starting getting to the point where it was constant.

Dealer called me while they had it to say they couldn’t replicate noise, however they would replace the actuators. Said this is definitely a known issue and could not guarantee that the issue would go away.

Everything was covered under warranty.. paperwork said they found damaged teeth on the actuators.

So far so good, but we are in warmer temps now.. so not sure.

Also, dealer said they have replaced the entire front ends of some trucks trying to fix with no success. Said there will be a fix just don’t know when Ford will release it. They said Ford advised them to clean the teeth first, that wasn’t working then were advised to use more grease.. that didn’t work either. Seems like replacing actuators is the simplest fix that may or may not be successful.

Thanks for the update! Good to know a fix will happen eventually. The common replacement of part with no results kind of fits in with the idea that asoftware update might fix it, but who knows.

 

[gyongue]

I’m experiencing this issue now that the temps are coming down. It started last spring but seems to only happen when temps dip below 50 consistently. By the time I could get it to the dealer it went away. Didn’t do it all summer long.

Any further experiences with this issue or follow up from those who had parts replaced by chance?

 

[Bluis]

I had this issue last winter. Strange grinding noise at lower speeds while turning the wheel. Ford initially replaced the hubs and bearings, which fixed the issue for approximately 5K miles. It came back and I was able to reproduce the noise on a test drive with a master tech. He confirmed the noise and said it is the needle bearings that engage and disengage with 4A and 4H. Basically the cold, snow, and ice freeze up part of the needle bearings and keep them from fully disengaging. He said if I put it in 4A the noise will go away. We confirmed this on the test drive on four separate occasions. Basically drove it 4A the rest of the winter, and the tech said it will not hurt the truck, and it is made to be driven in 4A year round. During the spring, summer, and beginning of fall (present), the noise never came back until last week. (Just came back after our first snow). I called Ford again, and they said this issue affects all 4x4 F150’s and there is no fix yet. I confirmed this with the manager, and he said they are seeing this issue a lot, and Ford is working on a fix. He said Ford went to the needle bearings to move away from the vacuum actuated IWE (Independent Wheel End) that was very problematic. Hope this helps.

 

[gyongue]

I had this issue last winter. Strange grinding noise at lower speeds while turning the wheel. Ford initially replaced the hubs and bearings, which fixed the issue for approximately 5K miles. It came back and I was able to reproduce the noise on a test drive with a master tech. He confirmed the noise and said it is the needle bearings that engage and disengage with 4A and 4H. Basically the cold, snow, and ice freeze up part of the needle bearings and keep them from fully disengaging. He said if I put it in 4A the noise will go away. We confirmed this on the test drive on four separate occasions. Basically drove it 4A the rest of the winter, and the tech said it will not hurt the truck, and it is made to be driven in 4A year round. During the spring, summer, and beginning of fall (present), the noise never came back until last week. (Just came back after our first snow). I called Ford again, and they said this issue affects all 4x4 F150’s and there is no fix yet. I confirmed this with the manager, and he said they are seeing this issue a lot, and Ford is working on a fix. He said Ford went to the needle bearings to move away from the vacuum actuated IWE (Independent Wheel End) that was very problematic. Hope this helps.

Thanks for sharing. I’ll test out the 4A this weekend and see what happens. Hope they figure it out before my extended warranty is up in 2 years.

 

[mxvet]

Hearing this binding sound as well now. also related to colder temps, have some clunking from the pass rear like something is loose at parking lot speeds. I've already had the drivers side rear axle, bearings and seals replaced for a different sounding clunk.

 

[Bricklayer14]

Hey everyone,

My 2023 F-150 Tremor (28K miles) has been experiencing a similar issue to what others have described. I mostly notice it when coasting under 20 mph, especially when slowing down without my foot on the gas. The grinding/vibration seems to be getting worse over time.

I have a dealership appointment next Friday to have it checked out. Has anyone found a long-term fix for this? I know some have had IWEs or actuators replaced, but it sounds like the issue sometimes comes back. Curious if anyone has had success with a permanent solution.

Appreciate any input! I’ll update after my appointment.

 

[cooler04]

I just got my 21 Tremor a few months ago and started to notice a vibration thru the pedals, which doesnt make since as it is all electronic, right?
Anywho, the vibration is like it is on for a second, off for a second. A combination between soothing and torture. I have to pay attention to feel it, but it is there.

It has me confounded. Why isnt the vibration all the time. Its the same breathing pattern no matter the speed i feel it at.

Brakes are squeaking too. Not sure which ones but suspect rear as rotors are chewed up. This weekend, weather permitting, i am changing out brake pads and rotors, spark plugs, and oil change. Guess i will look around with wheels off but i am not that mechanically inclined.

Let me know if what i described is similar.

Thanks!

 

[TJE]

Pretty sad this thread is still alive, but no real fix from what I've seen. There was a service bulletin about cleaning bearings, replacing the IWE, and other things. I haven't seen a fix that works for everyone. Some guys are still getting the "Ford know about it and are working on a fix" line, which tells me they have no clue what's going on. I will say it seems 100% temp related, as soon as summer hits the sound disappears until it gets cold again. One guy said his dealer mentioned a needle bearing getting snow and ice in it, which would make sense if it didn't happen before it ever snowed....I just run it in 4A all winter and hope for the best at this point.

 

[Bricklayer14]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been tracking my fuel economy and getting 15.5 MPG despite doing about 65-70% highway driving, which seems low. I know these trucks aren’t exactly fuel sippers, but I was expecting something closer to 18-19 MPG in these conditions.

Has anyone else noticed a hit to fuel economy with potential EIWE issues, or does this MPG seem normal?

 

[CAMDENN]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been tracking my fuel economy and getting 15.5 MPG despite doing about 65-70% highway driving, which seems low. I know these trucks aren’t exactly fuel sippers, but I was expecting something closer to 18-19 MPG in these conditions.

Has anyone else noticed a hit to fuel economy with potential EIWE issues, or does this MPG seem normal?

You didn’t mention your MPH.
Do you have any aftermarket suspension modifications or even bigger wheels and tires?
The best fuel economy for any ICE F150 will be achieved with a maximum MPH of 55-60 MPH.

 

[TJE]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been tracking my fuel economy and getting 15.5 MPG despite doing about 65-70% highway driving, which seems low. I know these trucks aren’t exactly fuel sippers, but I was expecting something closer to 18-19 MPG in these conditions.

Has anyone else noticed a hit to fuel economy with potential EIWE issues, or does this MPG seem normal?

V8 or Ecoboost? My 22 3.5 gets consistently 20+mpg on 65mph highways, closer to 18mph on 80mph interstate in normal mode, and around 16mpg in town. Winter it's a little worse, or when I decided to keep it in sport and floor it everywhere.

 

[Bricklayer14]

You didn’t mention your MPH.
Do you have any aftermarket suspension modifications or even bigger wheels and tires?
The best fuel economy for any ICE F150 will be achieved with a maximum MPH of 55-60 MPH.

65-70 MPH and easy on the accelerator at all times.

 

[Bricklayer14]

V8 or Ecoboost? My 22 3.5 gets consistently 20+mpg on 65mph highways, closer to 18mph on 80mph interstate in normal mode, and around 16mpg in town. Winter it's a little worse, or when I decided to keep it in sport and floor it everywhere.

65-70 MPH and easy on the accelerator at all times. ECOBOOST 3.5

 

[CAMDENN]

65-70 MPH and easy on the accelerator at all times.

Your MPH is your problem.

 

[Bluis]

I had this issue last winter. Strange grinding noise at lower speeds while turning the wheel. Ford initially replaced the hubs and bearings, which fixed the issue for approximately 5K miles. It came back and I was able to reproduce the noise on a test drive with a master tech. He confirmed the noise and said it is the needle bearings that engage and disengage with 4A and 4H. Basically the cold, snow, and ice freeze up part of the needle bearings and keep them from fully disengaging. He said if I put it in 4A the noise will go away. We confirmed this on the test drive on four separate occasions. Basically drove it 4A the rest of the winter, and the tech said it will not hurt the truck, and it is made to be driven in 4A year round. During the spring, summer, and beginning of fall (present), the noise never came back until last week. (Just came back after our first snow). I called Ford again, and they said this issue affects all 4x4 F150’s and there is no fix yet. I confirmed this with the manager, and he said they are seeing this issue a lot, and Ford is working on a fix. He said Ford went to the needle bearings to move away from the vacuum actuated IWE (Independent Wheel End) that was very problematic. Hope this helps.

UPDATE:
So I took my 2023 Tremor to the shop a few days ago for the "seasonal drone / grinding noise"coming from the front end during winter. Just like every other time it has gone to Ford, they confirmed the needle / spindle bearings were sticking. They advised me that Ford actually has a "potential fix" for this issue now, which falls under TSB 24-2189. The TSB reads as follows: "Test drove and verified customer concern for drone / grinding noise in front left wheel at slow speeds. Noise goes away when turning right or left, and it will go away when the vehicle is placed in 4 wheel drive auto. Per TSB, recommend performing TSB maintenance and lubricate spindle bearings. Also, remove both IWE's (Independent Wheel Ends), clean splines, lubricate, and install new IWE's. Test drove after TSB maintenance and noise was gone." After I picked up my truck, I drove it for approximately 45minutes. The noise is gone in 2 wheel drive. I drove it through mud, snow, water, ice, etc. and I could not recreate the drone. Hopefully this works, as I have experienced this shit every winter. I will say that placing the truck in 4 Auto has always fixed the issue, so there is always that option. I also spoke with my advisor about what the cost would have been if it were not covered under warranty. He said it would have cost $1,197.63 parts and labor. Just FYI for those who are out of warranty.
On a side note, if you do not have 4 auto, this looks like the only potential fix for your truck. If that is the case, I truly hope it works for you, because that would piss me off to no end. Finally, Ford said this issue does not affect the Raptors, because their spindles / needle bearings have a different, more robust design.