Removing a Radiator Fan Clutch Nut - The Easy Way

As we all know, in order to separate a radiator fan from a water pump, the pump shaft must remain stationary in order to break loose the large clutch nut. After battling the clutch nut on a 2005 Ford F-150 5.4L with both a band wrench and a special removal kit that didn't fit my vehicle, it occurred to me there may be a better way.
If you've struggled like I have, you may find this method pretty helpful. All you need is a length of chain about 8-10 inches long.

Пікірлер: 143

  • @jdjd7682
    @jdjd76829 жыл бұрын

    I lost three hours fighting with mine. First hammer on wrench, nothing. Then pull the entire thing off the car and try crappy huge rented open end tool with bolts in water pump pulley, nothing (busted knuckles and cranked shoulder). Then staring at it for 25 minutes did not work. Threatening with physical violence did not work. I found that taking a nap did nothing to help remove the fan clutch. Then your video, bolted it back onto truck, one hammer whack on the wrench and she was loose. It came off so easily I thought I broke the chain or something. Brilliant.

  • @Angell-Angell
    @Angell-Angell3 жыл бұрын

    I knew there was a way to get it out with out buying or renting the tool.. I just couldn't figured it out my self.. Thank you for posting!..

  • @amybrennick7840
    @amybrennick78404 жыл бұрын

    BRILLIANT AND EASY! Thank you Thank you! Done in 5 minutes after screwing around with this for hours with other stupid tools.

  • @dzirges
    @dzirges8 жыл бұрын

    I have NEVER commented on a video before, but after fighting this thing for over an hour I found this. simply amazing!!!!!!

  • @carterkinaschuk1430
    @carterkinaschuk14308 жыл бұрын

    DUDE! I never comment, but i had to this time. - Thank you. You ever find yourself in Canada, I owe you a beer. 1998 GMC Sierra (chevy) and she wasn't budging. - you saved me an ass load of time and cursing. Gary and Kyle - lefty losey my friends... (at least with my pickup anyways).

  • @JamesSmith-oc6jc
    @JamesSmith-oc6jc3 жыл бұрын

    I used this method today and it worked fine. Thanks so much for the tip.

  • @sigguy1361
    @sigguy13617 жыл бұрын

    I have to say, this little hack turned my 2+ hours of torture in getting this damn nut loose into a 5 minute job. Thank you!!! Chained it up as described, a few blows on the crescent with a sledge and it came loose. Sweet!

  • @torshaunverge2260
    @torshaunverge22602 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so very much I watched like 5 videos and everybody was like the tool the tool. You showed me how to do it in my garage I appreciate it!

  • @The46Chief
    @The46Chief5 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic! I destroyed the rental special removal kit. The 48mm spanner is now about 58mm. Thanks for this, helped a bunch.

  • @krisrogers1214
    @krisrogers12142 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, I used your technique and it worked perfectly. Nut was crazy tight. This is the first time I’ve had one that I couldn’t just loosen with hammer.

  • @smitherszx7
    @smitherszx76 жыл бұрын

    Dude...all I can say is thanks. Nice simple solution, worked great for this seized up old rust bucket I regret offering to fix.

  • @airdriver1460
    @airdriver14603 жыл бұрын

    I'm an old guy and have done all my own work on my older vehicles for years and I just want to say that your method is original gangsta. I tip my hat to you, sir. This did not occur to me.

  • @willg270
    @willg2708 жыл бұрын

    Sir, You are a Damn Genius!!! Thank you! Went to Home Depot bought some chain, sprayed a little WD-40 ... off in 30 seconds!!!!

  • @ColonelFreak
    @ColonelFreak6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great video! I didn’t have any chain, but it inspired me to get creative after fighting the nut in a crazy awkward spot. I put a piece of wood (1x2x13 1/4) under one of the pulley nuts down to the tie rod and knocked it free with a pipe wrench and hammer after soaking it with wd40. Worked for me on a old Chevy s10, hope my comment saves someone a busted knuckle and sore wrists! Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @paulsmith8085
    @paulsmith80855 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! This saved my ass last weekend! Nut was totally rounded and the chain plus vice grips worked. I had tried for hours with the autozone wrench and got nowhere.

  • @kevincherry8244
    @kevincherry82448 жыл бұрын

    Thank you thank you thank you! I struggled for an hr on that fan.. Was going to head over to auto zone to pick up the wrench when i came across the video.. set it up with the chain and bolt and the fan came lose in a couple minutes... Thank you again sir! FYI, 99 dodge Ram 1500 v8 5.2--- counter clock wise to loosen the fan

  • @evilinie
    @evilinie9 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the video!!! Worked like a charm, no stupid tool needed, AWESOME!

  • @michaelblanton9167
    @michaelblanton91673 жыл бұрын

    You are a goddamm genius. been struggling for 2 hours and literally took 2 minutes to do it this way. thanks for the video. Liked and subscribed. the people that gave this a thumbs down are turds.

  • @you-tube153
    @you-tube1539 жыл бұрын

    Great idea. Spent an hour messing with different techniques today. Ill use this method tomorrow and I know it will work

  • @mr.holiday4699
    @mr.holiday46996 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! My water pump pulley had sheered off and this was the only way I could get my fan off. Worked perfectly. Thanks again!

  • @JodBronson

    @JodBronson

    6 жыл бұрын

    Here try this Guy's method, he does it even faster than I do, LOL : kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWeYsaxwnKjIXbQ.html

  • @joestylin2248
    @joestylin22483 жыл бұрын

    Works great thanks a whole bunch!

  • @austinaubinoe
    @austinaubinoe8 жыл бұрын

    GREAT! was trying forever with an OTC strap wrench. Actually used a 'strong tie' building joist strap. Highly recommend replacing the water pump and coolant at the same time. Shop around, found a motorcraft unit for about $50. I also did the tensioner and the idler pulley and the belt. At 11 years and 177k miles it was time. so cheap if you do it yourself too, this was the hardest part!

  • @willkschoenfeld94
    @willkschoenfeld949 жыл бұрын

    Sir i wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart i would not have a running truck right now if it weren't for this, just wish i would have found this before i decided to bust out the vice grips and nearly strip some nuts haha you saved my ass on a last minute repair

  • @Nightneo2000
    @Nightneo20008 жыл бұрын

    that is genius! we ended up using a strap around the black belt housing pulley, and tool box liner for the grip of the strap and strapping it to the side frame. thank you for this idea to keep in mind though.

  • @biggbulls3967
    @biggbulls39676 жыл бұрын

    I tried your way and probably works on lower mileage trucks. Had to resort to the chain method. Good idea and thanks for posting.

  • @henrya1052
    @henrya10524 жыл бұрын

    Gonna try this method tomorrow on my F150. Ill keep you posted.

  • @hummertim1
    @hummertim13 жыл бұрын

    I just did this on ford e 250 van and it worked great. This guys method works fords special tool from auto parts store was a waste of money and did not work just tug untill lose after you do what this guy did 5 star advise

  • @albertoortega6833
    @albertoortega68333 жыл бұрын

    i will try this tomorrow after fighting for hours today.

  • @mrs.comeans6407
    @mrs.comeans64079 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!! He has tried to get that thing off for hours! Now maybe he can get it. You rock!

  • @Airmanmx1
    @Airmanmx14 жыл бұрын

    Very clever sir, very clever. I just might try that

  • @TimHocking
    @TimHocking7 жыл бұрын

    thanks for this idea. worked like a charm after other methods had failed and expletives yelled

  • @hummertim1
    @hummertim13 жыл бұрын

    This same method worked for removing crankshaft bolt also.. Chain is the way to go so simple and hours saved trying special tools that are a joke and take from car parts buying.

  • @TREE52HD
    @TREE52HD7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much helped on the '98 Blazer, never comment or leave a like, but I had to come back because we broke our strap wrench and couldn't get anything done

  • @michaell3187
    @michaell3187 Жыл бұрын

    Yours was the only way i could do it. Thanks

  • @greatken85053
    @greatken8505310 жыл бұрын

    If you don't have a spanner wrench available. This works great. Thanks for the tip.

  • @1crzydmnd
    @1crzydmnd3 жыл бұрын

    Good method...but I just did a water pump on my truck and just left the serpentine belt on and took a pipe wrench to the nut. One whack with the hammer and she was free. Mint!

  • @brunostudley2191
    @brunostudley21914 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ryan, that worked a treat! 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @twicebittenthasme5545
    @twicebittenthasme55457 жыл бұрын

    Slick. Hadn't thought of this one. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @shaunpicard2725
    @shaunpicard27259 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. Im doing an aftermarket electric fan and didn't want to spend more money on tools. it only took a couple minutes to get the dam clutch off. Thanks for the info.

  • @trencherman1820
    @trencherman18209 жыл бұрын

    This worked great after struggling with other methods.

  • @TheGoosevillePub
    @TheGoosevillePub9 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tip! Saved a ton of time.

  • @aaronmcshane116
    @aaronmcshane1165 жыл бұрын

    you're are the man i recommend this technique

  • @TerryJonesPrinterRepairs
    @TerryJonesPrinterRepairs5 жыл бұрын

    I was going to use your method on my 99 wj jeep but then i thought what if i remove 2 bolts on the pump side, 2 bolt on the fan side, then loosen the 2 bolts remaining on the pump side, stick an open ended ring spanner ring end over the loose nut and lock the spanner shaft behind the other loose nut then lock another ring spanner in the end for extra leverage. Voila pumps locked not moving wrench around the clutch nut and its all free no chain needed. Tools needed 13mm 14mm open spanner and small pipe wrench. Thanks for the inspiration when all was feeling lost.

  • @RAndrewNeal
    @RAndrewNeal3 жыл бұрын

    I ended up using two pipe wrenches. One to grab two of the bolts on the water pump pulley, and a smaller one to grab the nut. After nearly two hours of fighting it, it came off easily.

  • @mikeexcavator1771
    @mikeexcavator17717 жыл бұрын

    the chain work great! thank you.

  • @TheRayDog
    @TheRayDog6 жыл бұрын

    Fricking BRILLIANT!!! Thank you for posting!

  • @webmuffer
    @webmuffer8 жыл бұрын

    Worked great! Thanks for the tip.

  • @kevina4674
    @kevina46748 жыл бұрын

    You could always just get you a flat metal bar from Home Depot or any hardware store..... Dremel or cut a half moon and drill two holes.... Now take the same bolts on the pulley and put the bolts through the bar hold that with one hand and wrench it with the other..... A home made crank yanker!

  • @user-px1wj2uv3r

    @user-px1wj2uv3r

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good idea too!

  • @ZachariahRichardson
    @ZachariahRichardson6 жыл бұрын

    Yessss..... Worked first time. Thank you sir.

  • @colin724
    @colin72410 жыл бұрын

    Thank you me and a friend tried everything we could think of couldn't get it to come off for like two hours....tried your way and it was off in like five minutes

  • @Cruzito-sb9um
    @Cruzito-sb9um4 жыл бұрын

    looks like its going to work. thanks man ! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

  • @RickheadWashington
    @RickheadWashington6 жыл бұрын

    Worked great! Would have broken whatever tool O'riely auto parts rented me getting that thing off. Might have been easier if I had had a wrench that big. Good thing I had that old huge crescent wrench I never use. Great post. Thanks a lot for the idea.

  • @KevinMLloyd
    @KevinMLloyd9 жыл бұрын

    Perfect perfect perfect. Just saved me a ton of time.

  • @PartoftheMadness
    @PartoftheMadness6 жыл бұрын

    Worked like a charm!

  • @813195
    @8131958 жыл бұрын

    Worked great thanks for the heads up

  • @buzdarling3692
    @buzdarling36927 жыл бұрын

    6/11/2017 1:30 pm The chain worked! Thank you so much!! Getting the top hose and clamp back on took me over 1 hour, 1 dent from temper and much cursing!! I wonder what stupid ass came up with that idea? I am 66 and these are getting harder as the years pass. Buz

  • @brian-io4kd
    @brian-io4kd4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks brother! Great trick! Cheers

  • @user-px1wj2uv3r
    @user-px1wj2uv3r3 жыл бұрын

    AGAIN! Worked on the harmonic balancer too!

  • @bhopper6065
    @bhopper60657 жыл бұрын

    thank you sir! in using this method now!

  • @bernardoruizmoreno4739
    @bernardoruizmoreno47398 жыл бұрын

    you just made my day.... thanks...

  • @OldSoulMillennial
    @OldSoulMillennial9 жыл бұрын

    Just saved my ass in the cold! thanks!

  • @user-px1wj2uv3r
    @user-px1wj2uv3r3 жыл бұрын

    YESSSSSSS! Thanks man. Holy shit I was losing my mind 😆 A trip to HomeDepot and $3 in chain later, fans off in 2 minutes.👌

  • @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin
    @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin8 жыл бұрын

    THIS - when you live in the boonies and the nearest "official tool to remove part' auto parts store is a 4-5 hour walk away! I may have forgotten a part I need but chain - THAT I got. Thanks for one obvious answer no one could see! Edit: Sad part is that this idea won't work if you don't have enough room to extract those stupid bolts holding the fan to the pump... so... Here's another idea that did work: I had enough room to place a full-size (narrow/standard) crowbar straight down & wedge (gently!) the flat prying surface between the clutch fan megabolt and one of those fan-to-pump bolts. Using a large adjustable / Crescent wrench it popped right loose - came loose so easily I thought I'd broken something. Definitely adding the chain idea to the arsenal, though.

  • @LetsTalk649
    @LetsTalk6499 жыл бұрын

    I've used a strap wrench like a large filter wrench before as well.

  • @carlitosrmaldonado7853
    @carlitosrmaldonado78536 жыл бұрын

    Im going to try it tomorrow thanks

  • @mortalfear6662666
    @mortalfear66626669 жыл бұрын

    HEY GUYS. MOST NUTS VERY PER VEHICLE. DONT WASTE TIME RENTING THAT DAMN TOOL THAT NEVER HAS THE RIGHT SIZE WRENCH. I TRIED THIS AFTER AN HOUR OF GETTING PISSED OFF. WORKS PERFECT. IF YOUR GOOD YOU CAN REUSE FAN CLUTCH IF NEED BE. JUST DONT CHEW UP THE NUT. GREAT TIP!!! 60 SECONDS OR LESS.

  • @bigred3336
    @bigred33366 жыл бұрын

    thank you thank you thank you!!! i contemplated setting my car on fire till i watched your video!!

  • @gregmuniz7571
    @gregmuniz75714 жыл бұрын

    Snapped off timing cover bolt. Thanks

  • @MrMajikman1

    @MrMajikman1

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's the one reason I would hesitate on this method.

  • @badtbssls2672
    @badtbssls26725 жыл бұрын

    Thnx man awesome tip

  • @Bourne310
    @Bourne3108 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this, was really struggling to get mine off, then tried your method and bam, came right off really easy. I appreciate the post

  • @moneymac2864
    @moneymac28646 жыл бұрын

    Nice. Smart idea

  • @rmossman88
    @rmossman885 жыл бұрын

    Hallelujah thank you

  • @colbybenson3997
    @colbybenson39976 жыл бұрын

    You sir are a god damn genius

  • @JodBronson

    @JodBronson

    6 жыл бұрын

    Here try this Guy's method, he does it even faster than I do, LOL : kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWeYsaxwnKjIXbQ.html

  • @MrShldfly
    @MrShldfly9 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, it absolutely worked on my F150 4.2

  • @geneb2262
    @geneb22628 жыл бұрын

    nice phaser!

  • @LetsTalk649
    @LetsTalk6499 жыл бұрын

    Even easier just ask to borrow the tool when you pick up the water pump. Autozone had the OEM tool available for only a small refundable deposit. Same with ball joints ask for the tool.

  • @xkingofcroatia
    @xkingofcroatia7 жыл бұрын

    Wow what a tip!! This saved me hours. Thanks so much!

  • @seekgodfirst1605
    @seekgodfirst16055 жыл бұрын

    Thats a great way to stop the pulley, but the problem on mine is the "rented removal wrench" rounds off the corners! Im cutting a slot through the nut, and hitting it with penetrating oil. Wish me luck!

  • @LoueyboiMajorMuzic
    @LoueyboiMajorMuzic2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks bro

  • @billsimpson604
    @billsimpson6045 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant.

  • @vanessaraices8389
    @vanessaraices83896 жыл бұрын

    Thanks i fix my problem

  • @jessiewright1053
    @jessiewright10539 жыл бұрын

    Sweet Thanks ! ! !

  • @TheOriginalNutster
    @TheOriginalNutster8 жыл бұрын

    another method I have seen is a piece of flat bar with a hole in it bolted to the pulley. puts all the stress at the pulley.

  • @garyteeter5665
    @garyteeter56656 жыл бұрын

    kudos

  • @kethwilson5487
    @kethwilson54874 жыл бұрын

    It normally takes me 30 seconds it can’t be tight if it’s liquid

  • @tbirdpimp07
    @tbirdpimp079 жыл бұрын

    We just heated mine with a torch and it came loose but I think a air chisel on a wrench would be easier like lisle 43330

  • @VShonSummons03
    @VShonSummons032 жыл бұрын

    If my fan is facing the opposite way is it righty loosey

  • @damontiwallace3250
    @damontiwallace32502 ай бұрын

    Quick question. Out here now. Thread's counter clockwise or clockwise?

  • @jessemellingeriii5244
    @jessemellingeriii52444 жыл бұрын

    Way too much extra work. Just put a c-clamp on top of the fan belt. Place the screw end on top of the belt that runs from the belt tensioner to the tensioner pulley, then tighten down till it makes contact with the belt that wraps around the water pump pulley, then fully tighten the clamp to both belt surfaces to the water pump pulley. This prevents the belt from moving and in turn, the water pump pulley and fan from moving. A wack or two counter clock wise will loosen it right up. I just did this yesterday to my 16 yo suburban and its the first time the fan has ever been removed and I thought because of the age it would be a difficult task, but it came right off pronto!

  • @sjdebella
    @sjdebella9 жыл бұрын

    Easier to put a box end wrench on one of the pulley bolts with a small pipe on it and loosen up the fan nut with a pipe wrench

  • @Trippinovermylaces
    @Trippinovermylaces8 жыл бұрын

    Thats what I needed right there. I had to hunt down a couple of bolts, I think they might have even been from a chevy. but a piece of chain, a couple bolts, a big cresent wrench and i had this bitch off. new part on. Truck running Awesome!! thanks. new sub~~i did squirt it with some liquid wrench first... thanks for the tip...

  • @Bleeper168
    @Bleeper1689 жыл бұрын

    Holy shit that's genius

  • @mikeashford9240
    @mikeashford92404 жыл бұрын

    My volume is turned all the way up and I cant hear you .. But that is one great idea ....

  • @citycen01
    @citycen0110 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, my AMAZING $130 SNAP-ON tool nearly tore the damn thing in half, this worked perfectly.

  • @brianp6965
    @brianp69658 жыл бұрын

    This works, but I wouldn't use the timing cover bolt! Mine was so tight I cracked the timing cover where the bolt hole is machined through. Wish I'd used the control arm stud nearby, I wouldn't have had to break out the JBWeld.

  • @xxagarproytxx2958

    @xxagarproytxx2958

    8 жыл бұрын

    +Brian Petersen I can agree with that. That's what I plan on using I sorta knew that would be a likely outcome.

  • @rm33321
    @rm333218 жыл бұрын

    damn why didn't I think of this your alright

  • @rewddumentary1594
    @rewddumentary15947 жыл бұрын

    Keep belt on and use a pipe wrench on nut. Swing left with hammer, nut will break free. Peace of cake.

  • @erikguerrero44
    @erikguerrero448 жыл бұрын

    What if the fan is loose?

  • @1HSYURIDIA
    @1HSYURIDIA3 жыл бұрын

    Whats wrench size?

  • @DanimalKracka
    @DanimalKracka6 жыл бұрын

    Or just use a big set of vice grips on the pulley