Help, how to remove fan

[Hippo393]

Hi gang,

I embarked on a timing belt and water pump replacement project on a '97 SR5 V6 with 265k miles. Per the Factory Service Manual, I removed the Power Steering, AC, and alternator belts in the order they suggest. Now comes removing the fan, but the dang thing spins whilst wrenching on the 4 bolts holding it. Gah!! :mad2: How the heck to remove it?

Does anyone know of a trick to bind the daggone fan pulleys without having to reinstall all components and belts?

Thanks,
-Alan

 

[joe.greenhalgh1]

The fan is plastic, so it's not advisable to jam a pry bar in between the blades, it's best to crack them loose while the belts are still on, but at this point I'd recommend having a buddy hold the fan stationary by the parts of the blades close to the centre so it doesn't break easily. While he or she is holding it. Crack those bolts loose

 

[99Runnr]

Try jarring an extended box wrench with your hand and breaking them loose that way. Otherwise, install belt again and use the tension provided to aid.

Another thing you can do is tightly wrap the pulley with a belt and tension it with your hand, use your other free hand to jar the bolt loose/loosen it normally depending on how stubborn the bolt's are.

 

[DeathCougar]

I think what you're referencing is removing the fan clutch with the fan blade still attached, which is the best way. I use a large flat blade screwdriver between two of the studs and break it loose that way. Works great, no need to reattach the belt and won't damage the studs since the nuts are still on there. Probably done 35-40 of them that way. Works every time.

 

[Hippo393]

I use a large flat blade screwdriver between two of the studs and break it loose that way. Works great, no need to reattach the belt and won't damage the studs since the nuts are still on there. Probably done 35-40 of them that way. Works every time.

This idea worked great!
Thanks everyone for the helpful tips.

joe.green: all night I contemplated wedging something between the blades to bind while I wrenched...glad I didn't. Great advice not to!

-Alan