W126 300se Viscous Fan Bearing Bracket Replacement

[benzportland]

Really stuck here!! Gee I have read dozens of posts on this task and even got two special tools and I am still stumped I understand that I have to line up the hole in-between the two raised lines on the bearing bracket in order to lock movement, and then unscrew the fan clutch. Here's what's making me feel stupid: How do I turn the bearing to line up the hole with that slot for the locking tool? Do I have to release the belt tension so the pulley can move? Any advice would be appreciated, I've done various projects as a DIY'er but am not even close to being "accomplished." Like I say I have read lots of posts, but for some reason I have not seen an answer to this basic question, probably because it is so basic. Thanks in advance!

[Ivanerrol]

First thing - unhook the fan shroud and drape it overf the top of the fan.

You need to put the special tool down into the shouldered area of the fan pulley assmebly. It.s on the right hand side of the engine looking from the front.

here's how the tool slots in.



Here's where the notch is from the top of the engine.



You use a 7mm or 8mm allen key (depending on brand of the fan clutch) into the fan clutch and gently turn the bearing around until you feel the special tool slot into a hole in the bearing flange as above). You can then undo the bolt. Leave the serpentine belt on - don't touch the belt tensioner - at this stage.

here's a image of the allan key in the fan clutch bolt - note that I have put an extension over the allan key for extra leverage

[benzportland]

Thanks so much! That was really the key piece of info I needed, that is, you use the 7 or 8 mm tool to turn the bearing and line it up. I still need to get the right size hex for it but at least now I know I am on the right track!

[unkl300d]

Another great informative thread !! Thanks to the OP.