Replacing Fan Clutch
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
Replacing Fan Clutch
I need to replace the fan clutch. Does anybody know how to unscrew the bolt that is holding it? I removed the fan balde and the fan shroud, but I can't fugire out how to stop the shaft on which the fan clutch is mounted from turning, while I try to loosen the bolt. Any ideas?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
You need a special tool which locks the clutch in place. It is just a thin steel rod with a short, bent tip. The tip rests in a groove in the fan bearing bracket and a hole in the clutch.
I know Performance Products has the tool (if you don't want to fabricate it). Not sure if anyone else carries it.
I know Performance Products has the tool (if you don't want to fabricate it). Not sure if anyone else carries it.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
1987 300E
I just made the tool from about a 1 ft. long piece of 3/16" dia. rod. Bend about 1/2" at a right angle on one end. That gets inserted in the groove and hole in hub.
The groove on the bracket is about the 2 oclock position behind the hub. Get the tool in the groove then slowly turn the fan until you "feel" the hole. Then loosen the bolt (8mm).
edit: This applies to a M103. If you meant your Ferarri, then I can't help. ;-) Note: Be clearer about the car for help!
The groove on the bracket is about the 2 oclock position behind the hub. Get the tool in the groove then slowly turn the fan until you "feel" the hole. Then loosen the bolt (8mm).
edit: This applies to a M103. If you meant your Ferarri, then I can't help. ;-) Note: Be clearer about the car for help!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
Thanks everybody. I managed to stick a screw driver between the bolts that were holding the pulley and got the clutch replaced. Unfortunately, it did not solve the problem.
BTW, the problem was a loud clicking sound when engine was hot and idling, coming from the fan clutch area. The sound was getting 5x louder when I stopped and held the fan blade,with engine still running. So, I figured it had to be either the fan clutch or the bearing. I went for the clutch, which was sort of loose anyways, because that sound was not typical for a bad bearing. I guess now my car will get a new bearing, which BTW only comes with a bracket.
I bought the parts from buymbparts.com. Placed an order early Monday morning, got the stuff at 10:30 A on Tuesday. The BEHR fan clutch was, I think, around $125 with free shipping.
BTW, the problem was a loud clicking sound when engine was hot and idling, coming from the fan clutch area. The sound was getting 5x louder when I stopped and held the fan blade,with engine still running. So, I figured it had to be either the fan clutch or the bearing. I went for the clutch, which was sort of loose anyways, because that sound was not typical for a bad bearing. I guess now my car will get a new bearing, which BTW only comes with a bracket.
I bought the parts from buymbparts.com. Placed an order early Monday morning, got the stuff at 10:30 A on Tuesday. The BEHR fan clutch was, I think, around $125 with free shipping.
