Trying to remove my clutch fan in order to replace the water pump. I have tried using the recommended tools and understand it’s a left hand thread but can’t get it to break loose. Ive doused it with rust penetrant and used a breaker bar to no avail.

I am sure corrosion is the problem. Has anyone run into this? Thoughts, ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Only way I've found to remove a fan clutch that has never been removed before is to use the fan clutch wrench along with the tool that holds two of the bolts on the pulley. If you don't have that second tool it is hard to create enough torque to loosen it.

 

Thanks
tried that. Even with both tools I am unable to break it loose.

 

Garages use an air hammer on the wrench. A special Y shaped tool is made to fit into the hammer. Can you take the car to a garage to get them to just break it loose?

 

Secure the fan pulley with an old serpentine belt (Cut in half, thread both ends in a large box wrench. Wedge the wrench onto something secure or have a brave buddy hold it with tension towards the left side ( opposing pressure)) Use a large open wrench or monkey wrench on the fan nut and wack it hard with a pipe towards the Right side. If it doesn't work, buy the attachment for the air hammer tool like what Gordo51 says. Shops use this tool all the time and it should work.

 

I have never had an issue with the ones I have worked on, and that is just plain luck. Period. I have read on here some took sawzalls to them to cut em off then replaced it all with new. Really just comes down to keep working it. To be clear, if the pulley is behind held secure by some fashion you will want to be turning the nut clockwise as you stand in front of the engine.

If it is drivable you could also take it to a shop and see if they can break it free for you. They have more tools, better tools and experience. If they can get it free it will take no time at all for them.

 

I had this challenge today as I wanted to replace not just the water pump, but everything cooling related including the entire thermostat housing. Long story short, I rented the tool to hold the pulley from Autozone, had my wife hold it, while I used a breaker bar almost 3 ft long on the 36 mm wrench. It shockingly worked, and once it broke free it was all by hand from there.

On a side note, with 185K on my LR3 I was shocked at how good the coolant looked.