Wheel Hub: Description and Operation

Integrated Wheel End (IWE) System

The integrated wheel end (IWE) system contains the following:

^ Vacuum reservoir
^ IWE solenoid
^ IWEs (spring loaded vacuum hubs)
^ Vacuum hoses
^ Check valve

The IWE system uses vacuum hubs that engage the front wheel hubs to the front halfshafts or disengage the front wheel hubs from the front halfshafts.

The IWE solenoid receives engine vacuum from the vacuum reservoir.

When the 4-wheel drive system is in 2WD mode, the 4X4 module (PCM) supplies a ground path to the IWE solenoid to apply vacuum to the integrated wheel ends (disengaging the front hubs from the front halfshafts). In 4WD mode, the 4X4 module (PCM) does not supply the ground path to the IWE solenoid, vacuum is not applied to the integrated wheel ends and an internal spring keeps the front hubs engaged to the front halfshafts.