Fan removal

General E30 related discussions -
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Francoise
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 4:54 pm

Help needed removing the radiator fan, I have a good 32mm wrench but the water pump is turning as I hit the wrench, what do I do?
bab-91
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:09 pm

Stop the belt from moving with a large screw driver,
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TPS
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:10 pm

It needs a shock to free it, its a clockwise thread as well. An 32mm open ended spanner, & a copper Mallet, did it for me.
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Francoise
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:18 pm

So from the front of the car I need to hit the wrench towards the left of the car, but I still can't stop the water pump from moving, is their a special tool needed?
Rtaylor2208
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:22 pm

It's a reverse thread so as TPS says you need to turn it clockwise if you were looking at it from the front. The pump will move but the shock from hitting the spanner with the mallet should get it free.

No other tools are required.
maxfield
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:22 pm

It's reverse thread. If you put a spanner on you would need to hit it towards the passenger side of the car, assuming RWD.

For viscous fans I've always found they come undone easier with a hammer and screwdriver.
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TPS
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:31 pm

It can be a PITA, like installing the rear view mirror!
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Francoise
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:47 pm

Fans off thanks for the advice
capnmchl
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 5:53 pm

Another trick is to grip the water pump pulley with some pipe grips. Works for me all the time.
Motorhole
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Post Sat May 04, 2013 6:18 pm

Piece of flat bar, a drill and a hacksaw/jigsaw are all you need to make a replica of BMWs special tool for holding the water pump :)