How to Replace a 4x4 Vacuum Actuated Hub (IWE)

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Steps to Replace F-150 4WD Vacuum Actuated Hub

1. Disconnect ABS connector from under the hood ↗ 1:57

2. Raise vehicle safely and secure it ↗ 1:50

   
   

3. Remove lug nuts and remove wheel

4. Remove ABS sensor harness from the hold-downs (but do not remove the sensor from the knuckle) ↗ 2:25

5. Remove the brake hose-to-strut bolt ↗ 3:01

6. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut ↗ 3:28

   
   

7. Remove brake caliper and bracket assembly from knuckle. Discard the old caliper bracket bolts ↗ 4:11

   
   

8. Remove brake rotor ↗ 4:55

Disassemble the IWE / Hub Area

9. Remove vacuum hoses from 4WD actuator (IWE) ↗ 5:03

10. Remove axle shaft nut cap and nut ↗ 7:25

11. Remove upper ball joint nut and discard it ↗ 8:33

12. Unbolt and remove the 4x4 vacuum hub actuator (IWE) ↗ 9:27

    
    

13. Clean the wheel hub/bearing assembly ↗ 11:05

14. Grease mating surfaces ↗ 12:06

Install the New IWE / Reassemble

15. Install the 4x4 vacuum hub actuator to the knuckle, making sure it’s fully engaged with the axle splines. Tighten the 3 mounting bolts snugly ↗ 13:01

16. Line up and push the axle shaft through the actuator and hub assembly ↗ 15:23

    
    

17. Install a new upper control arm nut and torque to 45 ft-lb ↗ 17:52

18. Install the axle shaft nut and torque to 30 ft-lb ↗ 18:54

19. Install the axle shaft nut cap ↗ 19:32

20. Install the brake rotor ↗ 19:43

21. Install the brake caliper and bracket assembly using NEW caliper bracket bolts and torque those bolts to 186 ft-lb ↗ 20:05

22. Secure the ABS harness and the brake hose bracket back into place ↗ 21:37

23. Install the tie rod end with a NEW nut and torque that nut to 85 ft-lb ↗ 22:17

24. Install the wheel. Torque lug nuts to spec in the owner’s manual.

25. Reconnect the ABS harness under the hood.

26. Test drive and verify proper 4x4 engagement / no grinding.