Ford F-150 IWE Front Hub Lock Actuator Pair HL1Z-3C247-A

This is a pair of front hub lock actuators for the vacuum-controlled integrated wheel end (IWE) system on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive. The listing also names the 2016-2020 Expedition and Navigator. It replaces HL1Z-3C247-A and crosses to GL1Z-3C247-A, HL14-3C247-AA, GL14-3C247-AA, GL14-3C247-AB and Motorcraft TCA152. The pair comes with mounting bolts. Each unit is about 5.1 inches across and 2 inches tall, with the vacuum port on the housing.

In two-wheel drive, the IWE system holds vacuum on these actuators to keep the front hubs unlocked. In 4WD the vacuum is released and the hubs lock to the front axle shafts. When an actuator leaks or its internal clutch wears, the hub drags partly engaged. You hear grinding, ratcheting or clicking from the front wheels in 2WD, usually worst when turning or coasting, and 4WD may drop out or never fully engage.

Test before you buy. A cracked vacuum line, a bad IWE solenoid or a leaking check valve can cause the same grinding noise and costs far less. Pull the vacuum line at the wheel end and check with a hand vacuum pump. An actuator that will not hold vacuum is the one to replace. To replace it, lift and support the truck, remove the wheel, caliper, rotor and hub bearing, then unbolt the actuator from the knuckle and swap it. Clean the mounting surface, reassemble with the hub bolts torqued to factory spec, and confirm the system holds vacuum before the test drive. Replacing both sides at once keeps the front hubs matched.