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Thread: Need to replace radiator fan, help!!!

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    1995 BMW 320I Sedan

    Need to replace radiator fan, help!!!

    So a while back in the winter my radiator fan broke and I have a new one and I got the tools to hold the water pump in place but I have an issue, I can’t loosen the nut, I ended up snapping the wrench that came with the tool to hold the water pump, it was cheap but it seemed way too tight, what do I do?


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  2. #2
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    make sure you are turning the correct direction...I think it is left hand thread meaning righty-loosy not lefty-loosy! if I remember correctly

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rideoutboy View Post
    make sure you are turning the correct direction...I think it is left hand thread meaning righty-loosy not lefty-loosy! if I remember correctly
    That’s what I thought and that’s what I did, still wouldn’t budge worth a damn, I even had someone help so we had one person holding the pump the other trying to turn it, still noting.


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  4. #4
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    5/93 E32 730i M30
    Are you using a hammer on the wrench. Yes it's a reverse thread so have to hit in opposite to normal direction. A couple of whacks and they come loose. Good luck

  5. #5
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    While facing the engine, you should be turning the nut wrench TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE FENDER to LOOSEN the nut, if you had any confusion. Holding the water pump with the correct tool, whack the wrench with a rubber mallet to loosen
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
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  6. #6
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    you'll also want to replace those motor and trans mounts. The clutch fans don't usually break by themselves.

  7. #7
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    Use a metal hammer, the impacting helps. I usually don't even need to use the counterhold tool. Just leave the serpentine belt installed and hit the wrench with a hammer. It also makes it so you can fit a large normal wrench in there instead of the thin one so the shock is transferred well.
    '94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
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  8. #8
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    If you snapped a steel wrench on it something is woefully wrong and the belts won't provide the grip you need.

    The correct direction to undo the nut is to move the wrench towards the airbox (left/right and pass/driver are both ambiguous).

    Options:

    * Spray penetrating lube and leave it overnight, try again the next day.
    * Get a stronger wrench and have an extension welded to it but really, this shouldn't be necessary, a normal 32mm wrench should be well long enough.

    Make sure your pump holding tool isn't fouling on the nut you're trying to undo.
    '96 M3, S50B32, 6MT
    + good stuff

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by scooper View Post
    you'll also want to replace those motor and trans mounts. The clutch fans don't usually break by themselves.
    It broke because my fog light fell out and hit the ground and bounced up and just destroyed it, it was kinda funny at the time but now trying to replace it, not so funny


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  10. #10
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    You can take the blades off without having to remove the clutch assembly if that's the only thing you need to change.

    Have a good look with a mirror, you'll need a hex key.
    '96 M3, S50B32, 6MT
    + good stuff

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by RiPrete View Post
    So a while back in the winter my radiator fan broke and I have a new one and I got the tools to hold the water pump in place but I have an issue, I can’t loosen the nut, I ended up snapping the wrench that came with the tool to hold the water pump, it was cheap but it seemed way too tight, what do I do?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Did you turn the nut clockwise as you are facing the engine? The fan nut is reverse thread.

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    Gave away my BMWs, driving a VW and an Audi now.

  12. #12
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    Yea I know it’s reverse thread and it still didn’t budge.


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  13. #13
    Join Date
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    1995 BMW 325i
    We use an air chisel on the LS motors ones we’ve done. Good blast right on the top edge. Wouldn’t see it not working for the BMW as well but if you’re having this bad of luck with the right tools I may say avoid the air tools.


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  14. #14
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    Aug 2018
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    utah
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    325i e36
    I had the same issue on my e46. If all else fails, you can separate the fan blade from its clutch, drop the belt, remove the 4 bolts holding the pulley to the water pump, and pull the water pump with the fan clutch and pulley still attached. Obviously that would require a refill and bleed of the cooling system.

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