Fan Clutch Removal

[edford]

I tried to change the fan clutch this afternoon and could not get the clutch bolt to move. I followed the instruction in the maintenance manual, using a wrench in-between the bolts on the pulley. There isn't a lot of room for a open end wrench on those bolts and an adjustable wrench on the big main nut. How do others get it loose? I was thinking of taking the fan belt off and putting a strap wrench on the pulley.

 

[DVolk]

Here is a simple way : Take a good sized punch like a 3/8" or a 1/2 " one on the drivers side of the nut towards the top hit it down wards with a decent size hammer a good smack will break it loose and not harm the nut . Before install get some antiseaze and use on the threads .

 

[cerberusiam]

I was thinking of taking the fan belt off and putting a strap wrench on the pulley.

When all else fails, that works. If you can't get it loose with a punch or air chisel, strap wrench is about the only way. Don't forget it is left hand threaded or you will be there a while.

 

[RMidgett]

My radiator cooling fan fatigued on one blade & spit it out while towing on the interstate; bought a new fan to replace it. To loosen the fan nut, I used a chain wrench from Harbor Freight Tools (Item # 97073) around the fan pulley; the wrench connects to a 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar. Remove the serpentine belt & put the chain wrench around the pulley. I only had a 1-1/2" combination wrench (also from HF Tools) to use on the nut; it works but isn't a perfect fit. The fan nut has left hand threads; turn it clockwise while facing the radiator to loosen it. I used a small scrap of sheet rubber under the head of the chain wrench to prevent it from leaving burrs on the fan pulley grooves. The large combination wrench was long enough but I used a cheater bar on the 1/2" ratchet/chain wrench to break the nut loose. I was able to remove the fan & viscous clutch assembly up through the top without removing the fan shroud. I did remove the coolant over-flow bottle & the top radiator hose to make room to work. The job took me ~1 hour; petted the cat & drank my morning coffee as I went along. Inspect the belt while you have it off.

 

[tugboat1st]

Snap On makes an open end wrench for that. It's about $60 or so, but it's worth the money. It makes the job a lot easier.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Air hammer or chisel is last resort, in my opinion. I've seen several that have been removed and installed in that manner, and they have had to be torched or cut off, as the nut is soft enough, it can be bradded to the threads on the shaft. That requires a complete removeal of the fan hub... ... Personally, I have several wrenches, including a set from Geno's, that are specifically for those nuts, and then I have a filter wrench that fits just right. In duress, I have used a large pair of water pump pliers and a rag to protect the ribs on the pulley when securing it. If you're replacing the clutch, an air chisel can be used, if you have no intentions of reusing it, but I say be careful... ... Left handed threads, so turn it clockwise from the front to loosen..... '03 and up are right handed.

 

[MLee]

Genoe's also has these wrenches. There was a drawing a while back on the forums on how to make your own wrenchs, the big nut and the one to hold the hub.



Just my penny's worth

 

[The patriot]

I got a 1 7/16" open end wrench and surface grinded it a bit to thin it out a little.

I then got a 10mm box wrench on one of the pully bolts on the pully that the fan attaches to. I use the 10mm to hold the pully from turning by getting it against the large nut, kind of like a camming action , while turning the fan nut.

It's easier to explain in person.



Oh, this is on my 2nd gen.