Removal and installation the fan/fan clutch (BMW 5 Series E39)

The fan clutch must be replaced when the hub has worn out. In this case, when the engine is not running, the fan does not rotate or rotates with difficulty. The clutch must also be replaced if axial or radial play is detected. No play should be felt when rocking the fan from side to side. Oil should also not be leaking from the hub.

Removal

Using a SW 32 wrench, loosen the fan mount to the coolant pump hub.

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

When loosening the nut, compress the coolant pump drive V-belt to secure the hub and prevent it from turning. If the nut is very tight, hit the wrench with a suitable hammer to loosen the nut. (At the BMW service station, a special tool is used to hold the V-belt pulley by the heads of the mounting bolts). Once the nut is loosened, it can be further twisted by rotating the fan wheel. Make sure that the fan wheel does not fall down.



Unfasten the fan casing at the top left and right. To do this, use a narrow screwdriver to press the expansion pin, and then press the expansion clamp.



Press the fan shroud back at the top in the middle and unfasten the tab.

Remove the fan together with the casing by moving it upwards.



If the fan wheel and viscous coupling need to be separated, unscrew the mounting bolts and pull out the coupling.

Installation

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

Caution: To avoid damaging the threads and coupling, do not tighten the bolts any further under any circumstances.

Insert the fan shroud from above so that both lower retaining strips fit into the lugs on the radiator body.

Insert the expansion clamp and secure it with the pin. Replace damaged clamps or pins.

Screw the fan with the coupling to the coolant pump hub with a torque of 40 Nm. In this case, hold the hub with a V-belt or by the hub bolt heads.

Attention: Do not tilt the nut when installing.

[This article is based on information from the website: «BMWman.ru»]