KillaKev757

I'm a newbie so please bare with me. I just purchased a 00 ML430 about two weeks ago and just after I got it inspected per Va state regs, the serpentine belt popped and broke the idler pulley. So in order for me to replace the idler pulley I need to take out a very long bolt which won't come out unless I take off the fan in front. I've bought the 2 piece fan clutch set with the 3 hole holder and wrench but no go. I've tried screw loose penetrating oil, heating the nut with a torch, using a mallet and hitting the wrench, no bulge! I think I've rounded the nut some as well with all the attempts. I'm open to suggestions.

Aar Sto

You need a better wrench. And leverage. The wrench in that kit looks really cheap. Get a better wrench before you round the bolt and have to try to grind it into a square or grind it off. Add a pipe to it as a breaker bar. One person holds the holder. Other person uses the breaker bar and wrench to loosen the bolt. Wouldn't hurt to add leverage/pipe to the holder and have that person pull the other direction. Wear gloves with grip, and heavier padding so you aren't scared of mashing your knuckles. Worst case scenario get a 8 foot pipe, take the hood off, get a ladder, and get real leverage.

DrX

You don't need to remove the fan. The blade arrangement is asymmetrical - simply rotate the fan and line up the gap as you loosen the idler pulley bolt.

trinitony

Take it to any garage/gas station and ask them to use an air chisel on it to break it. They will loosen it in one min for a couple $$. Also make sure you're going in the right direction.

trinitony

-true

KillaKev757

The lip on the idler bolt wouldn't let me wiggle it out so I ended up cutting a very small piece out of one of the fan blade and slid the bolt out. Replaced the pulley and connected the new serpentine belt and everything is back up and running. Thanks for all the replies!

trinitony

you could of also just removed the fan...

what u gonna do when time to change the clutch?

Maj. Dundee

You didn't have to do that. The fan blades have a larger space between two blades.

KillaKev757

Oh **** lol I didn't see the wide space. Well Lesson learned.

KillaKev757

I bought an air chisel but decided why chance it lol. Problem solved for now. If I do have to change the fan blade or clutch, I'll definitely pull the air chisel out and tap it lol

Maj. Dundee

Don't know how much you cut out, but you may now have a wobbly/balance issue.

KillaKev757

Just a very small piece. Doesn't seem to affect the performance at all. I didn't hear anything offsetting either but all is well so far.