Lemieux_66 1 Report post Posted March 6, 2015 Hi guys, Just got myself a 540i and the fan clutch is stuck. I have a replacement lined up but need the tool to provide the counter pressure so I can take it off. I have the 32mm spanner but not other tool (looks like this) If anyone has one in Auckland that I could borrow for a few mins/hours that would be sweeeet. I could bring you a couple of beers as a thanks. The DIY seems pretty easy (as long as you have the right tools!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2373 Report post Posted March 6, 2015 ive had good experience doing the above. A swift whack of a hammer to the spanner usually cracks it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemieux_66 1 Report post Posted March 6, 2015 Haha I've been trying, but I may not be swift enough! I've also tried the screwdriver thing, but it's just too fat and not long enough to stay in there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2373 Report post Posted March 6, 2015 also remember its reverse threaded. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dkonsta1 109 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 I have the tools. Do NOT try without. 90% chances to screw it up if you have not done it many times. Call me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2373 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 I have the tools. Do NOT try without. 90% chances to screw it up if you have not done it many times. Call me Bold claim, guess im lucky with a 3 for 3 success rate with my technique. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemieux_66 1 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 PM'd ya Dkonsta1, hopefully we can sort something out for tomorrow. I just bit the bullet and bought one on ebay so will get that in a few weeks, will probably be good to have n the kit for more DIY's as it seems like that would have to come off for a few jobs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dkonsta1 109 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 Sent you pm. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2122 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 if you are replacing the water pump at the same time, go right ahead doing it the wrong way by wacking it. doing so will damage the bearings in the water pump, possibly snap off impeller etc been down that road but using proper tool, it is possible to change fan clutch without replacing waterpump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2373 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 never replaced the waterpump in any of the cars i did it on, and it was perfectly fine. Same with a lot of other people out there, its a common way of cracking the nut. its a swift sharp tap on the end of the spanner with a hammer, not bloody belting on it repeatedly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hotwire 352 Report post Posted March 7, 2015 ^^^^^ Yep, as above. Requires a decent sharp impact. I have always done it this way = plenty of BMW's & other Euros with the same setup over the years. Some do get tight but i haven't been caught out yet. Maybe just lucky. Just did the water pump on the E39 a few weeks back. Fan had never been off but was one of the easy ones. I do hear what you are saying though Andy, would certainly stand to do damage if thumping it, and repeatedly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemieux_66 1 Report post Posted March 8, 2015 Update : Borrowed the homemade tools and all sorted out the swap over in under 5 minutes. After the ease of that I'd recommend the tool for sure. Can close the thread now Cheers! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
