Thread: Remove 2.7 Viscous Cooling Fan

Originally Posted by 101RRS

I have to replace my alternator. How do you hold the fan hub while you turn the big nut clockwise using basic workshop tools. I did find a great thread about making a tool out of flat steel etc but I am not in a position to make one at the moment.

I did change an alternator a few years back without using any special tools but I have completely forgotten how to do it all I remember is using a 10mm socket and a screwdriver - old age setting in I guess.

So any tips on how to hold the hub while I undo the fan?

Thanks

Tightly wrapping/squeezing the fan belt is one I have used ok but you do need a 2nd person ie. one to squeeze the belt & another to work the spanners. Will need a sharp "tap" to get it moving
A dab of WD40 on the nut the night before helps, but don't forget to de-grease the thread when putting it back. Thinking about it now, I suppose it really needs a carefully placed suitable hole drilled into the pulley web to extend a small rod/screwdriver through to reach a
suitable spot on the ALT. to lock it in place.

I have not seen any other way personally, & I no longer have my Workshop Manual to refer to.

I have always got it off by using a cold chisel and a lump mallet. Crack it on the edge of the nut on the right hand side when look at the fan (remember it’s reverse thread). Works every time for me. No special tool required.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

I have always got it off by using a cold chisel and a lump mallet. Crack it on the edge of the nut on the right hand side when look at the fan (remember it’s reverse thread). Works every time for me. No special tool required.

Thanks - surely though, the cold chisel will just butcher the fitting even if it does loosen it. I will try combination of what you said and what 4Bee suggested - I will tighten up the belt and hit the fan spanner with a lump mallet and see if it shocks it loose. I do remember when I did it before the fan was not real tight and when I put it back on last time I only did it up finger tight.

Not a fan of the cold chisel idea, that's for meat hands. I have wedged a large screwdriver in between a bolt and the shaft to hold it and also made a crude bracket to hold it, first time i did mine a sharp hit on a large shifter was enough to undo it.

It puts the tiniest mark on the nut. You do you though. I know what I’ll keep doing.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Not a fan of the cold chisel idea, that's for meat hands. I have wedged a large screwdriver in between a bolt and the shaft to hold it and also made a crude bracket to hold it, first time i did mine a sharp hit on a large shifter was enough to undo it.

Lucky I’m not concerned for your opinion.

Place spanner on nut, whack spanner with hammer sharply.

Will often break just fine

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

It puts the tiniest mark on the nut. You do you though. I know what I’ll keep doing.

Not being critical of your suggestion as all are good - have done that many times in other scenarios and I know it does work.

Thanks for your input.