Removal and installation the fan and fan clutch (BMW 3 Series E36)

The fan clutch must be replaced if the hub is broken. In this case, the fan does not turn or turns with difficulty when the engine is off. The clutch must also be replaced if there is axial or radial play or if there is increased oil consumption.

Removal

Models 320i, 325i, 328i: Remove the air supply duct to the generator. To do this, unscrew the bolts and release the fasteners of the "arrow" hoses, remove the air duct.



Release the fan shroud from the upper left and right clamps. To do this, push out the clamp expansion pin with a narrow screwdriver and then release the clamp. Pull the fan shroud upward.



Using a 32 mm wrench, unscrew the fan from the water pump hub.

Note: The nut has a left-hand thread and should be turned to the right when loosening.

When loosening the nut, press on the V-belt of the water pump to prevent the hub from turning. If the nut cannot be loosened, hit the handle of the wrench placed on the nut with a hammer to loosen it. (At BMW service stations, a special device is used to hold the belt pulley by the bolt heads). After the nut has been moved from its place, it is turned away by rotating the fan impeller. At the same time, do not allow the fan impeller to fall.

Remove the fan.



If the viscous coupling needs to be separated from the fan, unscrew the 4 mounting bolts and remove the coupling.

Installation

Insert the viscous coupling into the fan and tighten the mounting bolts with a tightening torque of 10 Nm.

Caution: To avoid damaging the threads and coupling, do not overtighten the mounting bolts.

Screw the fan with the coupling to the water pump hub with a tightening torque of 40 Nm. At the same time, hold the hub from turning with a V-belt.

Caution: Do not allow the nut to become skewed.

Place the fan shroud on top so that both lower mounting strips fit into the radiator lugs.



Insert the clamps and secure them with pins. Replace damaged clamps and pins.

Models 320,3251: Insert the generator ventilation duct and tighten.