I'm confused as to the threading of the fan clutch nut. It is supposed to be counter-clockwise but, what do I use as reference? When talking about reference I mean, is it counter-clockwise from standing in front of the car or the usual driver/passenger look?

I might tell you guys the story later about one of my car cleaning rags getting caught in the fan and breaking a few of those things some of us call blades....

Later,

If you are just removing the blades, you can do that without removing the fan-clutch-hub. They are socket head cap screws, which hold the plastic fan blades to the clutch hub-use an Allen wrench.

If you want to use a 32mm wrench and remove the fan then there are two things. First the fan may fall into the back of the radiator, be prepared to catch the fan or place something in front of the radiator cooling fins to protect your hands and the radiator fins.

If you stand by the driver’s side fender, attach the wrench so that the handle is straight up – you would pull the handle towards you to loosen. Of course you have to hold the fragile pulley still. I used a rubber strap wrench. By holding the strap wrench in your right hand and the fan wrench in the left hand, move your right hand away and your left hand towards you.

Thanks AP!!

That's how I started to do it, since that's what I did when I took it off to replace the water pump. However, I called a friend of my to verify and he seemed so sure that I took his word for it! Once you have doubts, there is no real good way to clarify unless....

Thanks Man,

The wife (it always happen when she drives the poor car)..So she's going to her tanning appointment and pulls out of the garage and then, apparently, a noise coming from engine compartment suddendly (ouch) started, actually louder than the music she just put in (that's gotta hurt).

So she left the car near the road and came back in the house all scared of what just happened. She know how I care for our cars (7 series & Z3).

So I carefully proceeded to the car - hoping it was just a critter stuck under - but no!, broken fan blades, 5 to be exact. Reading you gentlemen, I'm happy to see that we weren't driving high speed.

First evaluation, I think I could buy the part (metal I hope) and replace it. Is there anyone who has a metal one? Where should I get it?

To change it, I see about 5 nuts to remove - is there any catch? Let me know - I might elect to tow the car and just have serviced.

What I'm affraid also, the shaft (or axis) of the fan is not symetric with the mounting - is there a normal angle in the mounting?

Let me know if there's a website I could see the diagram - I should get the maintenance book for it anyway.

Can someone help me?

Thanks!

Rock














If you are just removing the blades, you can do that without removing the fan-clutch-hub. They are socket head cap screws, which hold the plastic fan blades to the clutch hub-use an Allen wrench.

If you want to use a 32mm wrench and remove the fan then there are two things. First the fan may fall into the back of the radiator, be prepared to catch the fan or place something in front of the radiator cooling fins to protect your hands and the radiator fins.

If you stand by the driver’s side fender, attach the wrench so that the handle is straight up – you would pull the handle towards you to loosen. Of course you have to hold the fragile pulley still. I used a rubber strap wrench. By holding the strap wrench in your right hand and the fan wrench in the left hand, move your right hand away and your left hand towards you.