Fan clutch wrench ?

[edwx]

I have an '03 XLS 4.0L.....is the fan clutch wrench 58mm? In other words, is the nut 58mm?

Thanks

 

[manaen]

an alternative is to go to a hardware store (lowes or HD) and in the plumbing section get a adjustable metal spanner wrench. They are used for large nuts in toilet and sink fittings (boy that statement could be taken wrong). I have had good success with one from HD they are thin enough (about 3/8") to fit in the space and adjust from about 0" to 4".

 

[muzzymaniac]

Manaen - is this what you mean?

It's what I've used in the past. Works great and has an adjustable length.

 

[manaen]

Manaen - is this what you mean?

It's what I've used in the past. Works great and has an adjustable length.

no, I had to search on the name of the darn thing, because I didn't remember and I knew it was something really wacky!!

It turns out it is called a spud wrench or adjustable locknut wrench here is a picture of one in use (actually the same one I have)

and here is a diagram of one

 

[manaen]

here is a better picture from lowes

and here is the link to the product page

 

[manaen]

once you have the adjustable jaws set to the right width you tighten the locking nut which locks the jaws in place, I have used it on multiple fans and various other large nuts. For a 9$ wrench it works quite well

 

[BrooklynBay]

I have that tool, but I didn't think of using it for this purpose. I use my 24" adjustable wrench on this. It gives me more leverage, and a better grip. Here's another idea if you want to be creative: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1807751&postcount=14. The tool I use is similar to the 24" one in the picture:

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here's a set from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90341

 

[manaen]

I have that tool, but I didn't think of using it for this purpose. I use my 24" adjustable wrench on this. It gives me more leverage, and a better grip.

The reason I went to the adjustable lock wrench is because my 24" adjustable was just too wide to fit between the pulley and the fan clutch. And I think I had just finished putting a bathroom in for my mom so it was fresh in my mind. (although the word fresh may not be the best choice in this instance )

 

[manaen]

harbor freight rocks!!

 

[muzzymaniac]

here is a better picture from lowes

and here is the link to the product page

Interesting tool. I use the basin wrench cause I have one. I dunno how long my handle extends but it's long - great for leverage.

+1 for Harbor Freight!

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could always slip a pipe over the handle for a better grip, and more leverage.

 

[edwx]

Thanks for all the great help....I'm sure I can come up with something now.

I went out and checked the nut size (it helps to actually look,) and it's not close to 58mm....more like 36mm or so.

Is there much torque on these??....just want to know what to expect when I attempt to loosen it.

Thanks again.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It feels stiff, but it's not impossible. Keep in mind that it's a left handed thread.

 

[edwx]

The Haynes manual says to, "Turn the drive hub nut counterclockwise to loosen." Wouldn't that be a right-handed (normal) thread? I'm a little confused.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You are correct. My van has a left handed set up. It's printed on the fan shroud.

 

[edwx]

OK. Thanks! Much appreciated.

 

[manaen]

There's not a lot of torque on the nut, but I believe the factory does use a small amount of loctite on the threads. I always use a large screwdriver wedged between the nut and one of the bolts on the pulley to keep it from spinning while getting it to break free. Once you break the loctite it pretty much free spins.