Knackered clutch fan, already?

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Wed May 31, 17 3:22 pm

Noticed what can only be described as a mini whirlwind coming from my engine bay. Goes up and down with engine revs.
I checked the fan and I can move it quite visibly.
With the engine spinning the fan does make a lot of wind noise and seems to oscillating out of true.
The fan is a clutch type hemi sized fan fitted four years ago.
I assume it's on the way out.
How long do aftermarket parts last these days? Reckon it's probably done 15,000 miles at the most.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Wed May 31, 17 5:06 pm

With the engine off can you wobble the fan on the hub side to side? if the bearings are shot you'll be able to. Hard to tell with the fan spinning due to it's shape. Normally that is what happens or the fan doesn't lock up which clearly yours does. Don't forget, under normal temps the fan is freewheeling and quiet, when it is hot it locks up and theres a big increase in sound, I think that's all that's happening in these high temperatures.

TW71 · Post by **TW71** » Wed May 31, 17 5:20 pm

I had one where the viscous clutch was losing fluid and also some blades were not true and caused imbalance to the point they touched the radiator and cut part way through it!

I refitted it with a Flex-a-lite without any clutch, its noisier but shifts some air.

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Wed May 31, 17 7:06 pm

Mhmm. Hadn't considered temps, but it didn't do it last summer. I can definitely wobble it so assume bearings are on the way out. Low mileage item.
Shouldn't wear that quickly, surely?