Auxilliary electric fan fan blade disassembly?

[lietuviai]

I was wondering if there is an easy way to remove the fan blades from the auxilliary electric fan on a W123 series diesel? I need to do this in order to lubricate the fan motor since lately it started making some awful groaning noises when it comes on. I was hoping that there would be an easy way to do this short of removing the entire assembly.

It's not that hard to pull the whole thing, couple of clamps and a plug. When I took mine off I couldn't believe all the crud between it and the radiator.

[danalinscott]

I just did this on my 201 (2.5 turbo) last night. They were inoperative and I plan to see if a local auto electric shop can rebuild them. The fan motors were full of gravel, bugs, etc and the AC condensor behind them were plugged solid with the same stuff. I wonder why with so much of the radiator essentially blocked the engine never even hinted at overheating? Oh yeah..overbuilt.

Any way. After you get the fan assembly out (on the 201 it was a several hour job) you will probably need an air tool to remove the large nut which holds the fan blade assembly onto the electric motor. If you try to do it by hand you will probably damage the fan blade assembly. But using a socket and a small 3/8" impact wrench you can loosen the nut with out having to use the fan blades for leverage.

After the blade assembly is off there should be a small "stepped washer" wich can be lifted off to expose the front bearing assembly....if your fan assembly is anything like mine. Under this is the front of the roller bearings which may respond to a bit of lubricant and should spin easily after ward. Removing the entire front plate (three nuts on the back) will allow you to clean and properly lubricate this front bearing. But don't do it unless a bit of lube in the front does not work. There is a chance that in doing so may damage the electric motor if the shaft sticks to the inner bearing race. If you must remove it be very gentle.


If the rear bearing is the problem I would suggesst taking it to an auto electric shop since improper dissasembly technique from this point on can result in expensive repairs...much more costly than the likly charge for disassembly and lubrication by the shop.

Dana

[fredjj]

The nut on the front of the aux. fan is reverse threaded at least on the 123's. Didn't find out before it was too late. Luckily a nearby junk yard has several 123's.

[rickg]

I rebuilt the fan on my SD. Might want to read thru this too in case it'll help:
Aux. radiator fan