Tips for replacing fan clutch

pmaronoff · Post by **pmaronoff** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:26 pm

1980 528i auto needs the fan clutch replaced. After research I have the one with the 32 mm nut at the rear,part #11521723918, that I assume tightens directly on to the water pump flange. My Haynes book only covers the older style fan clutch. My questions are:
Can I do this without removing the radiator?
Is this the one that is reverse threaded so it loosens to the right?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

pappentl · Post by **pappentl** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:00 pm

yes, it's reverse threaded and can be removed with the radiator in place. You may have to remove the fan shroud, it's been a while. Take a 32 mm wrench and place it on the nut, wack the wrench with a hammer and it should spin free.

...tom

From: pmaronoff <paularonoff@gmail.com>
To: tech_forum <tech_forum@firstfives.org>
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Subject: Tips for replacing fan clutch

1980 528i auto needs the fan clutch replaced. After research I have the one with the 32 mm nut at the rear,part #11521723918, that I assume tightens directly on to the water pump flange. My Haynes book only covers the older style fan clutch. My questions are:
Can I do this without removing the radiator?
Is this the one that is reverse threaded so it loosens to the right?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:33 pm

I just did this. I agree with the first response, but can add that the fan shroud can stay in place. Also, I had to find a means of holding the water pump.

pmaronoff · Post by **pmaronoff** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 3:57 pm

Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Cl ... 3cc1a8cec2

pappentl · Post by **pappentl** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:16 pm

I use a 32 mm Craftsman wrench. I strike it hard with a hammer so that I don't need to worry about the pump moving. It usually only takes one or two blows.

Tom

From: pmaronoff <paularonoff@gmail.com>
To: tech_forum <tech_forum@firstfives.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Subject: Re: Tips for replacing fan clutch

Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Clutch-Wrench-Water-Pump-Holder-Removal-/260947103426?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cc1a8cec2

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Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:35 pm

pmaronoff wrote:Thanks all. Would the BMW water pump tool be of any use? They sell a 32mm flat wrench and the water pump tool as a package on ebay. Here is one link if anyone wants to look http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-32mm-Fan-Cl ... 3cc1a8cec2

Yep, those work great

KenB · Post by **KenB** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:24 am

Paul, I have the correct tool you need: a long and very thin 32mm wrench. I would be happy to lend it to you free of charge if you are willing to pick it up and return it.

Ken

Falkenberg · Post by **Falkenberg** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:56 am

Applying some WD40 before swinging the hammer also helps.

wmmag · Post by **wmmag** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:46 am

The thin 32mm wrench is also available at bicycle shops.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 11:23 am

Many people have trouble with it, I did the first time before I figured out it was left hand thread, but I can get my 10" crescent in there. That and a hammer and I'm able to persuade it.

pmaronoff · Post by **pmaronoff** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:41 pm

Thanks to Ken B for the offer and I was wondering if some type of lubricant would help. So thank you for that tip. I went to a Carquest looking for a wrench. The counter man told me that they lend out the whole kit. 32 mm wrench and the holder for the water pump for 14 days. You must leave a deposit for the purchase price and get that back when you return the tools. So that is my plan unless there is another use for a 32 mm wrench on a E12. I ordered a Behr oem for $65. It should be here Feb. 15. The 18th is D Day. I will post the results.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:44 am

You will laugh at how easy the whole job is. You should be done in a leisurely 20 minutes

pmaronoff · Post by **pmaronoff** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:34 pm

Well everyone was right. This type of fan clutch is easy to replace. Caution note on Behr fan clutch. The one I bought on eBay did not fit. My water pump shaft needed a 32mm nut that was beveled to mate properly. The Behr unit's nut was flush and couldn't bite onto the threads. eBay store will refund. Bought one with a beveled nut, off and on in under 10 minutes.