How to Replace a Fan Clutch: A Quick Guide for Beginners
The fan clutch is one of the most important components of your car. It is a critical part of the cooling system of your engine. It improves the efficiency of the engine. Therefore, when the fan clutch is damaged, the performance of the engine will most likely be compromised as well. You need to ensure that the fan clutch is in good condition. If not, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
If you do not know how to replace a fan clutch, there is no need to worry. A lot of other car owners surely do not know how to do so. These are the steps that you need to follow to successfully replace a fan clutch:
- Check for Fan Clutch Problems
- Remove the Fan Clutch
- Remove the Fan
- Install the Fan Clutch
- Install the Shroud and the Hose
In the rest of this post, we will let you know in detail the specific steps that you should follow. At the end of the day, you will realize that the task is easy and you can do it even without the help of a trained mechanic.
Things You Need to Follow this Tutorial
To start with, you need to prepare basic materials, which include the following:
- New fan clutch
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Pulley locking tool
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace a Fan Clutch
Now that you are ready to take out the fan clutch, these are the steps that you need to follow to complete the task successfully:
Via: https://www.1aauto.com/
1. Check for Fan Clutch Problems
The first thing that needs to be done is to be sure that the problem is with the fan clutch. A quick visual inspection of the fan will give you an idea if it is already calling for a replacement. You also have to listen to the sound when the engine is turned on. If there is an annoying and loud sound, this is another indication that it needs a replacement.
Another indication that you have a problem with the clutch is when the engine experiences overheating. Remember, it controls the cooling fans. Therefore, when the fan clutch does not work, the fans will not also provide a cooling effect, and this is why the engine will suffer from heating.
2. Remove the Fan Clutch
Once you are sure that the fan clutch is problematic, proceed to have it removed. Before you can access the fan, you have to remove the air intake hose, fan shroud, and belt. Use the screwdriver to take off the intake hose. Once the screw is loose, take it off and wiggle the hose until it is completely moved out of its place.
After removing the air intake hose, you will now have easier access to the fan shroud. Remove the bolts on both sides.
3. Remove the Fan
After removing the shroud, you will now have easier access to the old fan, and you can have it removed. Use an open-ended wrench to remove the bolts that are attached to the fan. In the case of some designs, you will need to use a pulley locking tool. The latter has the main purpose of preventing the movement of the pulley while you are removing the nut.
4. Install the Fan Clutch
Once you are done with the removal of the old fan clutch, now is the time to have it replaced with a new one. Hold it in place while aligning the bolts. Fasten the bolts and see to it that it is secured. This is an important part of the process. If the fan is not properly positioned, it can loosen and can cause problems in the engine.
5. Install the Shroud and the Hose
After the installation of the new fan clutch, you have to return everything that you had earlier removed. This will include the fan shroud and the air intake hose. See to it that you will bring them back to their original position. As with the fan clutch, check the bolts and the screws to be sure that they are as tight as they should be.
For a more detailed guide on the steps that are involved in the removal and replacement of the fan clutch, this short video below will help:
Pro Tips
Aside from learning the way to properly install a fan clutch, the tips mentioned below will also be helpful, especially when it comes to making sure that the problem is with your fan clutch.
Testing your Fan Clutch
Earlier, we noted in this post that the first thing that you need to do is to determine if the problem is really the fan clutch. Aside from a quick visual inspection, there are certain tests that could confirm your initial theory.
To test a fan clutch, here are the things that you need to do.
- Start the car. After starting the car, proceed to the front and open the hood, which should provide you with a good view of the engine and its components.
- Provide time so that the engine will stabilize. After a few minutes, the fan should slow down. If there is no sign of slowing down, this is an indication that the clutch is frozen.
- Another test is to attempt to stop the fan from running. Place a rolled paper and see if the fan will stop. If it stops easily, this means that the clutch needs a replacement.
- Spinning the fan with your hand will also be another quick test that you can do. There should be some form of resistance as the fan spins. If it requires too much effort to spin or if it rotates easily, these are also signs that you need a new fan clutch.
Types of Fan Clutch
When looking for a replacement for the old fan clutch, keep in mind that there are two common types available, and they have differences in terms of how they work:
- Thermal Fan Clutch: With high-speed operations, this type is able to provide maximum cooling. It also has disengaged operation, which is great for noise reduction and fuel efficiency.
- Non-Thermal Fan Clutch: If you are looking for one that is more affordable, this is what you have to choose. Nonetheless, its life expectancy is typically shorter.
Conclusion
After reading this post, I hope that you already know how to replace a fan clutch. As you can see, it is a task that you can accomplish easily, even without seeking help from a trained mechanic. The materials needed are quite basic, and the steps are easy to follow. Basically, you just have to remove the air hose intake, fan shroud, and old fan clutch and replace them with a new one.
