Steptronic FAN removal

[Tlvivo]

Hi All,

been trying to remove this fan so I can get to my water pump - most DIY's are for manual cars. Found one for a steptronic however they were using special removal tools is there any way I can do this without a special removal tool? Any suggestions?

I have a 36inch spanner which is long enough to get to the fan nut, but I cannot figure out what to use to keep the water pump pulley from rotating so i could turn the nut.

 

[Tlvivo]

bump.....

 

[P1000]

Special tool or hammer... Give it a firm tap and it should come loose. Just remember its a left-hand thread. A 36 inch spanner might be a bit big...

 

[freerider]

you going to need the tool to hold the fan clutch pulley while you loosen the nut.

 

[Tlvivo]

f#^^# where can I get the too freerider?

 

[freerider]

I think you can get one from any midas etc.

 

[Tlvivo]

Thanks freerider I will find out if they have one right away...

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okay just called up Midas in Newlands - they got no clue... does this tool have another name?

 

[freerider]

I would ask for a bmw fan clutch removal tool I guess.

 

[Tlvivo]

doesnt help they still do not know it - would the stealership not have this?

 

[freerider]

you can try them, but they probably only have in their worshop

 

[rick540]

I get mine loose by (carefully) wedging something in the drive belt on the outside of the belt against a pulley so it can't move.

Not the correct way but done carefully using a rubber handled tool for example it works.

 

[Tlvivo]

Quick update - the stealership does not have this tool - they also suggested I use a little bit of knocking for the bolt to come loose.

For any steptronic / AT users - this process will not be easy if you do not have an effective way of getting the fan clutch nut loose without breaking something. So i would suggest if you can get the tool do it. I ended up using a shifting spanner and my 32mm spanner to loosen the nut. Which resulted in the stripping of one of the bolts on the water pump pulley, which made my victory of getting the fan out no so victorious. After a while of hammering I got the stripped bolt out and was able to get to the pump - from there things are easy. An important note - any one planning on doing this DIY needs a whole lot of patience!! My car is now on the road just in time for Spring DAY!!!

thanks to all that helped, very appreciated.