Fan Clutch Removal

[bdiefAZ]

I have tried to remove my fan clutch on my M70 without success. Any suggestions that do not include destroying the water pump? I have removed several fan clutches on other BMW's, but this one is very tough and will not budge.

[Eight Ball]

Brain, I would just buy the correct tools. You need a 32 mm wrench (I think) and then a pully holder. Both are available on ebay. Remember it is a left handed thread you are dealing with. Push comes to shove PM me off line and I can ship you mine. Nothing can replace having the correct tools. Take care and see you in March.

Cheers,

Carter

Here you go. I got my holder and wrench from these guys.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Waterpump-Fan-Pulley-Holder-El-Paso-Tool-BMW-Tools_W0QQitemZ120497222403QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMoto rs_Automotive_Tools?hash=item1c0e31b303

[bdiefAZ]

Carter, is that the one that the 2 bolts from the water pump pulley thread through?

[Eight Ball]

Carter, is that the one that the 2 bolts from the water pump pulley thread through?

Brain, There is 4 total and yes they are part of the bolts that hold the pulley to the pump. Like I said just PM me and give me your address. I will ship out ASAP. The holder is used to hold two of the bolt and the the 32 mm wrench is long. It is a two handed operation. I was on the passanger side and pulled with the holder and push with the wrench. Hope this helps.
Cheers,

Carter

[WolfStrong]

I would just buy the BMW tools. Believe me, I have tried using a cresent wrench and a screwdriver to jam the pulley with success, but MUCH headache. Buy the tools and what use to take 3 scrapped knuckles and 5-20 minutes all the sudden takes about 1-2 minutes and little worry. TOTALLY worth the $60 price of admission, especially with the knowledge you WILL be using it on not just your car, but soon everyone else's once they realize you have the tool.

[Ladislav]

It has to be a skinny 32mm wrench so it fits. The pulley holder is about $25 from NAPA and the likes of AutoZone and PEP Boys probably have it also.

[bdiefAZ]

Carter,

Thank you for the offer to send the tools, I will buy a set to have on hand for future ventures.

[rogbmw]

Bavarian Autosport also has the wrench and pully holder. I fought with them for years, then purchased the correct tools. Much easier for that once-every-so-often use.

[Eight Ball]

Carter,

Thank you for the offer to send the tools, I will buy a set to have on hand for future ventures.

A very good choice indeed. You may want to consider changing out the fan blades also if original. Been known to fall apart. Take care.

Cheers,

Carter

[bdiefAZ]

The tool arrived this evening and got the fan clutch off the car and replaced fan blades as well while under the hood.

Thanks Carter for your tool recommendation.

[BimmersGarage]

In case someone needs to see how it's done to understand:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuKguZBW_MA[/ame]

[Fatandre]

this is not on the m70.

Also, is this the fan clutch?

[TxGR8White]

this is not on the m70.

Also, is this the fan clutch?

It doesn't matter, BMW uses the same principle on all their fanclutches.
The threads are left-handed or reversed.

[Ladislav]

Fwiw, here is the NAPA general purpose pulley holder that I bought in my e32 days - p/n SER-3900. Currently $26 or so. The advantage is that it can be used on a variety of pulley sizes because it is adjustable. It is also very sturdy and provides a lot of leverage.

[rjjablo]

I used my 32MM Wrench that worked on my E39. It was slightly to big and was going to round the corners of the fan nut. Shroud had gotten broken so I just pulled that out in pieces. In all cases but the last I used the pulley holding tool. I modified a big 1-1/8 wrench with a grinder to make something that fit the nut exactly. Used the hammer multiple times. Pull the fan off the viscous drive for more room. Used a strap wrench around the water pump pulley. Broke the strap wrench. Heated up the nut with my MAPP torch and cooled it down with a wet rag. Twice. More Hammering. I finally put a pry bar behind the pulley and whacked it one last time with a hammer. Came off smooth as silk.

[Timm]

Just to double check - you do realise that it is a left-hand thread - and you twat the spanner to the right to get the fan off....

[rjjablo]

Clockwise we hammered away. I have done my E39 and it was on so tight/seized that I had to pull the water pump and even then I could not get it off.

When it goes back on it gets a liberal coat of Anti Seize and a light tighten only. I have the feeling I am going to be pulling it again in the near future.