The bearing is part of the bracket (aka 'fake water pump) that the fan clutch bolts up to. It is not part of the fan clutch. This is not to say that the clutch itself could not make a noise when it is free-wheeling, or in the process of locking up. If the noise is when the clutch is locked up and fan is blowing full blast (will shred a newspaper stuck into the blades), then the problem is the fake water pump bearing. If original, it's due for a change (p/n 16307-62011).
Mine is original with over 200k miles on it and still going strong, but it won't last forever. Fan clutch has been changed years ago.
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'99 4Runner SR5 5spd 3.4L V6 4WD(U.S), original '99 Talls in front, OME 906s in back, Hella fogs, Trekmaster shocks in front, Billy in back, no running boards, FIAMM horns, Alpine sound, Michelin LTX M/S2's, owned since new.
'97 HiLux SW4 5spd 4WD(Japan model bought in Brazil assembled in Argentina, very close to a 3.0 4Runner/Surf)
'71 FordWillys Jeep CJ5 (with straight six Ford Maverick 3.0 liter engine--lives in the mountains north of Sao Paulo Brazil)
My Backyard Frame Swap
Linear Mode
