A local shop (mis)diagnosed my cooling problem as needing a new fan clutch. Bid 3.3 hours for the job. Called the dealer, they wanted 2.7 hours. Couldn't see what the big deal was so I decided to take on myself.
The super handy guys on this site will probably laugh at such a trivial job but for all those other "just handy enough to really screw it up guys" out there - this is 8 nuts, 2 bolts and less than an hour. Do it yourself.
Biggest trick is breaking the four nuts loose without just turning the water pump. I used two 12mm closed end wrenches and while I held one I tapped on the other wrench to break each nut free. With four nuts off I took the two top bolts off the fan shroud that hold it to the radiator. By leaning the shroud away from the radiator there is room to slip the fan and clutch assy out. Four more nuts to remove the fan from the clutch. Replaced with Toyota part. Saved $300.
The super handy guys on this site will probably laugh at such a trivial job but for all those other "just handy enough to really screw it up guys" out there - this is 8 nuts, 2 bolts and less than an hour. Do it yourself.
Biggest trick is breaking the four nuts loose without just turning the water pump. I used two 12mm closed end wrenches and while I held one I tapped on the other wrench to break each nut free. With four nuts off I took the two top bolts off the fan shroud that hold it to the radiator. By leaning the shroud away from the radiator there is room to slip the fan and clutch assy out. Four more nuts to remove the fan from the clutch. Replaced with Toyota part. Saved $300.