Wheel Hub: Description and Operation
Integrated Wheel End (IWE) System
The integrated wheel end (IWE) system consists of the:
^ Vacuum reservoir
^ IWE solenoid
^ IWEs (spring loaded vacuum hubs)
^ Vacuum hoses
^ Check valve
The IWE system uses vacuum hubs that engage or disengage the front wheel hubs from the front halfshafts.
The IWE solenoid receives engine vacuum from the vacuum reservoir.
When the four wheel drive system is in 2H mode, 4X4 control 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 control 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.