Cooling Fan Removal

[cjryan]

I attempted to remove my cooling fan via a Autozone universal fan removal set to no avail. The kit didn't have the right size open ended wrench for the fan clutch nut or the right size tool for the four bolts on the clutch.

Is it possible to remove the cooling fan by removing the four bolts that screw into the fan? Or how about the four bolts that go into the fan clutch? My dad removed a fan on a Ford van by removing the bolts going into the fan, but it didn't have a clutch on it. Hoping for a shot in the dark; however I suspect there is no easy way around it.

 

[Anime]

Autozone usually has the correct tool for Explorers available to rent out.

Advance Auto Parts carries the correct Fan Clutch tool in the Performance Tool/Autocraft line for $24.99, though I'm not sure they rent it out.


Is IS possible to disconnect the fan itself from the fan clutch by removing the four smaller bolts, but the fan is still then stuck between the water pump and the large fan clutch. You can remove the larger bolts from the water pump pulley, but this can be a tough job with the small amount of room between the fan and water pump. MAKE SURE THE SERPENTINE BELT IS OFF before you do it this way, otherwise the tensioner will snap the belt tight when you pop off the last bolt, and either clang it against the water pump, or against your finger/hand/wrench if you're not lucky.

I've done it myself, with a pair of slip joint pliers and a wrench, but it's a pain.

I would suggest taking the universal set back to Autozone and either renting the correct clutch tool wrench set for the Explorer if they have it, or try borrowing it from Advance.

It's well worth the $24.99 price as well, since it makes it nearly effortless, and saves a lot of time. I would suggest you buy it and add it to your tools if you plan on doing all the work on your Explorer.

 

[cjryan]

Autozone usually has the correct tool for Explorers available to rent out.

Advance Auto Parts carries the correct Fan Clutch tool in the Performance Tool/Autocraft line for $24.99, though I'm not sure they rent it out.

Thanks for the help, I bought the tool and it worked great. The universal set from autozone did not have the right size tool for the nut or the pulley. I didn't want to run around trying to find the right universal set at another autozone, so I shelled out the dough for the right tool, well worth it.

 

[vegasjoe1969]

Checker Autp Parts

I just changed my water pump last week and Checker has the tool on as a loaner, and it didnt cost me a cent, it came with the right size wrench, I just supplied a breaker bar.