Fan clutch removal

[flynn23]

Do I need to buy the special LR tools to remove this or will a crescent wrench of the right size (anyone know what it is? It's bigger than 32mm) do the job?

[jimmy salmon]

hammer and chisel, a couple of sharp taps.

[akfisher]

while the special tools may make it easier i took the advice i found here on one of the threads and used a crescent wrench as well. you can slide a wrench in there and then break the fan free with quick raps with a mallet. if you just turn the wrench as usual you will turn the whole assembly belts and all. also remember it is reverse threaded.

[btate]

97 isn't

[rover4x4]

I put some rags in the fan belts and gave the wrench a whack with a hammer, came right off. Does anyone have any fan clutch reccomendations. I can not find an "HD" replacement. I know they are readily availible for the serpentine trucks, it is a GM part number if I recall. Ive got a replacement from autozone and they claim its the most heavy duty replacement they have, I can stop the fan by hand when my water temp gauge says 200 degrees, I dont like that worth shit.

[chris snell]

I bought the universal fan clutch and universal water pump wrenches from Atlantic British. It's the way to go. Makes it easy and doesn't damage anything.

[imola]

borrow it from autozone...free of charge...

[flynn23]

Same fit for the loaner from Autozone? Seems to be Ford oriented. Also, any recommendations on upgrades? The clutch assembly is awfully dirty from the outside and I bet the reason why it's seized. Worth rebuilding or replace it all together?

[rover4x4]

You cant rebuild a fan clutch that I know of. Since youve got the 4.0 I think there is a "HD" Chevrolet application thats supposed to do pretty good. I dont know any part numbers, me thinks you could find one at the discoweb.

[TheBeast]

I put some rags in the fan belts and gave the wrench a whack with a hammer, came right off. .Thanks for the rag idea! I was having a hard time getting the fan clutch off. It took about 5 rags stuffed in the fan belts, a good wrench and a whack with the hammer. Off and fixed. Thanks!

[evilfij]

Wedge a screw driver in the bolts.

[airbornrover]

Just wrap a rag around your hand (if your worried about cuts) hold the fan blade place the wrench then apply downwards in a quick like manner and voila you have a loose fan clutch:grin

[Green Blood]

Atlantic British has the fan clutch wrench on sale right now for about $15. Also, the wrenches at Autozone will not fit- I tried them recently and every other place around that rents/loans them.

Cheers,

CARL

[cgalpin]

97 isn't
Is this because of the serpentine belt setup? In other words, would a 3.9 from a 94 Discovery I with a serpentine belt also be normal thread (not reverse)?

[sflash868]

Since everyone has their own method, thought I would contribute mine. I use an adjustable wrench and channel locks. Close the channel locks all the way and bite onto the baside of the waterpump pulley. I clamp on to the rear lip of the pulley and the channel locks naturally brace agaist one of the waterpump bolts. Pull on the wrench and off it comes.

[crown14]

Is this because of the serpentine belt setup? In other words, would a 3.9 from a 94 Discovery I with a serpentine belt also be normal thread (not reverse)?That would be correct. The water pump rotation is reversed from the v belt engines.

[gas-man]

I am attempting to remove my fan and was curious if the fan is supposed to be able to spin in either direction? I can turn the fan by hand in either direction, I guess that is why some of the replies on this thread suggest wedging rags in the fan belts. Just looking for some confirmation so I know whether I should consider replacing the clutch while I have it apart. Thanks.

[Davis]

The fan's viscous clutch will allow the blades to spin separate from the clutch in either direction, if that is what you are asking. Sometimes these are very hard to get off--I have a small map torch (propane will work too) that I used to recently heat up the not--it then came right off. I could not get it off otherwise and did not want to crack the nut which is what some people do on truly frozen situations.

[JFD]

Anyone ever rebuild/change the fan clutch bearing on a Tdi ?