Fan Clutch Removal Question

[Mitch90535im]

Anyone have any creative ideas for preventing the water pump pulley from spinning while attempting to remove the fan clutch?

[Rigmaster]

A couple of methods I've used...one is to put the wrench on the fan clutch nut, then whack it with a hammer (Make sure you hit CLOCKWISE- the threads are reverse from "normal"). Try this 3-4 times and it might work.

If that doesn't work, you can try wedging a thin, long bladed screwdriver in between 2 of the bolt heads that hold the pulley to the water pump- the fan clutch wrench can actually be used to help keep the screwdriver blade from slipping off. You should be able to get enough leverage with one of these methods- though I've had some stuck SOOO tight I didn't think they were ever gonna come loose. If you get one of these, try soaking with PB Blaster or some other quality solvent overnight, then go at it again.


Bret.

[632 Regal]

patented Bidoli Fan Removal Tools


I tried the old vice grip tricks and found out the pulley is made of plastic.

[Tiger]

Mine is hole on the other side... easy to make with a piece of steel from Home Depot. This tool is a must have item... it makes a world of difference taking the fan clutch out.

[Mitch90535im]

I think I read somewhere that the Ford fan clutch removal tool (which I think I can borrow from Autozone) would work. Do you happen to know if it will?

[Mobius]

My main problem was finding a wrench narrow enough to get in there - I ended up using a pair of adjustable-joint pliers and a couple sharp taps from a hammer to break it loose.

Not exactly the prettiest way of getting it done, but it worked fine.

[winfred]

i like mine better

patented Bidoli Fan Removal Tools


I tried the old vice grip tricks and found out the pulley is made of plastic.

[632 Regal]

I heard that one after I patented my special tool.

Winfreds special tool dont work cause its left handed.

[Tiger]

I never got two holes to line up with the bolts... I thought it was a POS... so I made my own to hold one hole and brace it against the other bolt... I guess that is the way to do it.

[Rory]

I second Rigmaster's solutions. I have used both and usually do the screw driver because I kinda like having my hands in one piece. I suppose that if I removed the fan clutch more than once per year then I would buy a BMW tool. But the screwdriver usually works within a couple whacks for me. Don't forget that the clutch is reverse threaded (righty loosey, lefty tighty). And this way is much cheaper

Best,
Rory