A fan clutch uses a temperature-sensitive thermostatic spring which is engaged when your engine’s temperature is expected to go up. It is controlled mechanically, and it is usually off when the car is being driven at low speeds or is sitting in idle. As your engine heats up, the thermostatic spring expands, and this engages the clutch into action.
Most fan clutches have issues with the spring, and this means you need to replace the fan clutch as a whole unit. Fan clutches are connected to the fan/engine in two ways; four bolts or one large nut. Depending on the model you have, these are the components you want to remove without a fan clutch tool.
In this article, I show you how to remove a fan clutch assembly without a fan clutch tool.
Process №1: Using a Chain
In the absence of tools, you need to improvise, here is one ingenious way; using a chain.
Step 1: Drench the bolt or bolts with a rust solvent, you need to provide as little resistance as possible. It’s best to soak it for at least 5 hours before you begin.
Step 2: Take off the serpentine belt before you start this.
Step 3: Attach one end of the chain to a timing chain cover bolt
Step 4: Attach the other end of the chain to the water pump pulley bolt.
Step 5: Turn the pulley counterclockwise to tighten the chain.
Step 6: Using a wrench, a spanner, even a pair of pliers, unscrew that fan belt nut.
Process №2: Using Duct Tape
I am guessing you do have some tools, but not the fan clutch tool, in this case, let’s have a go using some duct tape and a wrench.
Step 1: Drench the bolt or bolts with a rust solvent, you need to provide as little resistance as possible. It’s best to soak it for at least 5 hours before you begin.
Step 2: Take off the serpentine belt before you start this.
Step 3: To wrap the tie-down strap using duct tape around the pulley; turn the water pump pulley.
Step 4: Locate the alternator bolt and tie down the strap around it.
Step 5: Remove the fan clutch bolt using the wrench.
Process №3: Using the Accessory Belt
If you can’t find a chain, don’t have duct tape but do have an accessory belt, then you are in for a treat. Here goes the Accessory belt method.
Step 1: Drench the bolt or bolts with a rust solvent, you need to provide as little resistance as possible. It’s best to soak it for at least 5 hours before you begin.
Step 2: Remove the accessory belt from its location (relive the tension), but keep it firmly wrapped around the water pump pulley.
Step 3: Take a wrench and twist that fan nut off.
Conclusions
The bottom line is that you only need to find something to act as a contra to the fan clutch housing from moving. You do need to steep the bolt or nut in some kind of solvent just to be sure it will turn freely. Using any kind of nut holding tool, you can now unscrew the nut.
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