Fan Clutch

[Cardude]

How do I remove the the Fan-Clutch Assembly? I have the correct hex socket but the the pully keeps moving (accckkk)! My bearings are completely shot and the pully is vibrating against the block. I found my knocking problem!



Cardude

[ymsin]

What kinda model do ya have?

[Cardude]

1987 300E Sedan

Cardude

[smk_texas]

I replaced a fan clutch on my BMW just last month and I haven't done it on a Mercedes. But this is how I did it on my BMW. I used a 32 mm metric wrench (was specified in the BMW repair manual) and fit that on the clutch bolt. Took a hammer and tapped it semihard in CLOCKWISE direction and it loosened. I don't know for some reason atleast on BMWs, you have to unscrew it in CLOCKWISE direction. Installing it is the reverse and whole thing took me 30 minutes to do on my BMW. Hope this helps.
smk_texas
92 190E 2.6, 97kmiles
86 BMW 325E, 136K miles

[ymsin]

Cardude - I went into the workshop this morning and got myself a fan clutch to see whats your request all about. I find its virtually impossible to open the assembly and replace the bearings. I understand that once the bearings are dried and died, its better to have the whole assembly replaced. I have not known of any successful surgery in transplanting or lubing a bearing in the fan clutch.

I hope someone else here might have done that before.

My apologies for thinking you wanted to replace the fan clutch.

Best wishes.

[jeffsr]

There is a tool made for this purpose. It will hold the clutch stationary while you remove the retainer bolt. I know you can get it from Performance Products.
( http://www.************************ ) I think you may be able to get it from Parts Shop here as well (probably less expensive). Send them a request and see what they can do for you..

[dacia]

The special tool Jeff is talking about (Benz calls it a "bracket") cost around $60.00 CAD at the dealership. My tech is usually uses a large flat screwdriver to hold the cluch assembly while loosening the bolt at the front. If you look behind the assembly while turning it you will see the opening where you can stick the screwdriver in. Good luck.

Alex

[Cardude]

I am working on it today, I will keep you guys posted!



Cardude

The information about a "bracket or what ever is a little off base.
To remove the fan/clutch assy on a W124030 is quite simple.
After removing the fan schroude retraining clips(2 at the top corners) and laying it back out of the way, you rotate the fan pulley and insert the "Holding Tool" behind the pulley and into a notch. You can rotate the fan using a socket allen wrench until you feel the holding tool go into place. Now remove the retaining bolt.
Performance Products have the Allen Socket $6.90 and the Holding Tool $9.95.1-800-243-1220
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman of Houston!!!

[Cardude]

Your directions were excellent guys thanks! So what is the (help) all about. Well the pulley will not come off. Do I need a puller of some sort or I have the wrong replacement part. I have the new bracket with the good bearings in my hand. (minus a pulley) Please send some advise, the pulley is not coming off easily.


Cardude

[jeffsr]

It should come free. Try spraying the hub with some penetrating oil and tap the periphery with a plastic hammer.

[Cardude]

Great, that did it thanks. Now to have a bit of fun with the new belt. Everything is going great, the bearing were dust with just a few remaining in place. They were all exposed, when I pulled the bracket out.



Cardude

[jeffsr]

There should be a belt routing diagram in your owner's manual.

For those who want the satisfaction of fabbing their own "factory" tools, the fan clutch holder is a layup. The heavy chrome coat hangers found at most offices is the correct 3/16" OD that the manual calls for. Either look at the picture in the manual or check out the pic in the IMPCO catalog and bend your own. You only need about 1/2" bent 90 degrees at the end to catch the slot in the clutch. Then bend the shaft only about 15 degrees back towards the firewall (when the tool is in place) at a height of about 12" from the clutch end. Put a nice hook on the end to hold it on your pegboard and you're in business!

I've seen this tool between $10 and $25 in various catalogs. I've used mine several times and lent it to others. Never any complaints.

Thought this might help those that were looking at the pic and thinking, "That doesn't look like $25 worth of tool." It isn't!

[Cardude]

All done well almost, I 've decided to put a new belt on also. I can not fit the new belt on the pulleys. I'm using my diagram from the owners manual. The tensioner is not giving me enough extra length to install the new belt. Is there a way around this? There is no movement in the alternator, so I can't use that method. There must be a trick or I'm moving the tensioner adjuster screw in the wrong direction.




Cardude,