How to Replace a 4x4 Vacuum Actuated Hub (IWE)
Steps to Replace F-150 4WD Vacuum Actuated Hub
- Disconnect ABS connector from under the hood: Watch
- Raise vehicle safety and secure: Watch
Tip : ALWAYS use jack stands under the vehicle - Remove lugnuts and remove wheel
- Remove ABS sensor harness from hold downs but not from the knuckle : Watch
- Removed brake hose to strut bolt: Watch
- Remove and discard tie rod end nut: Watch
Tip : Be careful when separating the tie rod end from the knuckle. Damage to the boot will cause premature tie rod end failure - Remove brake caliper and bracket assembly from knuckle. Discard the bolts: Watch
Tip : Secure brake caliper and bracket assembly up out of the way. NEVER leave the assembly hang from the hose or damage will occur - Remove brake rotor: Watch
- Remove vacuum hoses from 4wd actuator: Watch
- Remove axle shaft nut cap and nut: Watch
- Remove upper ball joint nut and discard: Watch
- Unbolt and remove 4x4 vacuum hub actuator: Watch
Tip : Inspect the gear teeth on wheel hub/bearing for wear. If worn, replace the wheel hub/bearing - Clean wheel hub/bearing assembly: Watch
- Grease mating surfaces: Watch
- Install 4x4 vacuum hub actuator to knuckle ensuring it's engaged with the shaft splines. Tighten the 3 bolts snuggly: Watch
- Line up and push axle shaft through actuator and hub assembly: Watch
Tip : Ensure axle shaft is fully engaged with actuator/hub assembly. The axle shaft should protrude from the hub assembly - Install new upper control arm nut and torque to 45 ft lb: Watch
- Install axle shaft nut and torque to 30 ft lb: Watch
- Install axle shaft nut cap: Watch
- Install brake rotor: Watch
- Install brake caliper and bracket assembly with new caliper bracket bolts. Torque bolts to 186 lb ft: Watch
- Secure abs harness and brake hose bracket: Watch
- Install tie rod end with a new nut. Torque the nut to 85 lb ft: Watch
- Install wheel. Torque lut nuts to spec in owners manual
- Reconnect abs harness under the hood
- Test drive and verify proper operation