Replacing the fan clutch

[rhyary]

I read about the fan clutch and I would like to replace it as preventing maintenance. However, it discusion start when the fan clutch is already on the bench.

How do you remove it from the vehicle. I downloaded the FSM and I can see the picture under:
Service-Manual\1996 Lexus LX450 Repair Manual\Cooling\Radiator

But it does not say specifically how to remove it.

help is appriciated.

Rami

 

[NeverFinis]

Remove the four nuts using a 10mm closed end wrench that holds the fan/clutch to the water pump pulley.

Remove the top two bolts holding the radiator shroud. This will allow you to push the shroud back towards the back of the engine bay and pull the fan/clutch out. Then unbolt the clutch from the fan.

To get it on, you might need to loosen the belts, which is tightened where the alternator mounts. So, you might want to loosen the belts before removing the fan/clutch.

 

[GXO]

easiest way is to remove the two bolts at the top of the shroud, then remove the 4 bolts holding the fan and clutch on. Once it is off, squeeze the clutch/fan assembly between shroud and radiator on the passenger side. Once that is out, I usually loosen the alternator and move it all the way in (see belt changing procedure on how best to do this). That makes assembly a lot easier since the belts and pulley on studs rarely stay put.

Once off just remove the bolts holding the fan blade on, bolt up the new clutch, and install....tada!

 

[GXO]

what he said

 

[Corbet]

you may want to apply some penetrating oil to the 4 nuts the night before depending on your corrosion level.

 

[rhyary]

OK, I saw the 4 bolts and I applied some pen oil.

I saw the 2 bolts of the shroud. To move the shroud it looks like my second battery tray (PS) will be in the way some what.
Looks like a radiator hose (DS) will be some what in the way. Should that be a concern.

Why would the belt be affected? What happens to the pully when I remove the 4 10mm nuts?

 

[rhyary]

Also, there is a small blue spot on the fan clutch fins. The whole thing is a metalic fins but there is a blue dot. Is this a blue fan? was it replaced already?

It is 85 degrees out side and I can move the fan quite easily. But if I tried to spin it quickly I get some resistance. Is this normal?

 

[NeverFinis]

I am not sure about the PS battery tray since I don't have one. The radiator hose isn't a problem. As DanKunz mentioned, pull the fan/clutch through the passenger side of the shroud,

No idea about the blue dot.

 

[Corbet]

Why would the belt be affected? What happens to the pully when I remove the 4 10mm nuts?

The 4 studs are screwed into the hub on the water pump. The fan clutch pinches the pulley between the two. When you remove the nuts the pulley often will misalign its self under the tension. Best to take the tension off the belts first. I did it the hard way first myself.

A stubby ratcheting box wrench will be your best friend for the tensioner at the ALT. Don't forget to loosen the fixed bolt first.

 

[rhyary]

Thanks, will do as advised
Rami

 

[cary]

Two things nobody mentioned:

1) Get four replacement nuts when you get the clutch. Those nuts like to round off.

2) Be very careful of the fan shroud, they get brittle with age and like to crack.

 

[Tools R Us]

Also, there is a small blue spot on the fan clutch fins. The whole thing is a metalic fins but there is a blue dot. Is this a blue fan? was it replaced already?...

On a blue hub clutch the steel hub part that bolts to the water pump is painted blue. If it looks like this one, it's an aftermarket POS, your closest trash receptacle will hold it nicely!

 

[rhyary]

Ha, this is the kind of blue dot mind has on it.

 

[OGBeno]

Here are a few pics for you....

 

[landtank]

looks like I'll be in Albany next Thursday. Let me know if you need some help.

 

[GXO]

another thing nobody mentioned (including me) is to make sure your belts are properly tightened and the alternator is properly bolted back in once you get tension on the belts.

Loose belts = never gonna work right!

 

[96r50]

How do you check that the belts are at the proper tension?

 

[OGBeno]

Push down at the most middle point of each belt and you should get no more than about 1/2" deflection.

Be sure they are not too tight. NAPA has a belt gauge that you can buy for about $9 if you want to be precise on the tension.

-o-

 

[96r50]

Easy as pie. I like it.

Push down at the most middle point of each belt and you should get no more than about 1/2" deflection.

Be sure they are not too tight. NAPA has a belt gauge that you can buy for about $9 if you want to be precise on the tension.

-o-

 

[CSA]

A couple of tips:

1. Before you remove the fan clutch and fan, place an appropriate sized piece of cardboard between the fan and the radiator. This will help prevent damage to the radiator fins when you remove and replace the fan clutch. Be sure to remove the cardboard after you have reinstalled the fan clutch and before you batten down the fan shroud.

2. A strap wrench is very handy for keeping the fan pulley from turning when you remove the four nuts holding the fan clutch onto the studs. Place the strap on the pulley behind the fan belt.