Fan Clutch Tool Question, need one, in central PA

Anyone in Central PA know where to buy a fan clutch removal tool? I need to change the thermostat this weekend in the wifes E46, it's auto, so I need a fan clutch removal tool, I know I can source them on Ebay for about $40 but I really need to do it this weekend, so I'm trying to source one locally, any advice on where to buy one. or an alternate to make my own?

No need for that tool, search this forum and you will find out how to remove it using a large 32mm wrench and a large hammer.

Courtesy of.......well.........ME! Also, if you can't find a 32mm wrench, NAPA sells a 1 and 1/4" wrench (what I have) and it works just fine too.

Originally Posted by smolck

Courtesy of.......well.........ME! Also, if you can't find a 32mm wrench, NAPA sells a 1 and 1/4" wrench (what I have) and it works just fine too.

Came in sooo handy when I was doing my cooling system and pullies .

Originally Posted by Nando779

Came in sooo handy when I was doing my cooling system and pullies .

Glad to help. I have only met 2 BMW"s that this method didn't work on, and both had been overheated and had seized water pumps. So that is less than 5%. Should work for you! And here is a tip, when re-installing the fan, don't worry about torquing down the fan nut, it is reverse thread and can't come loose. Also, a smear of anti-sieze on the threads is a GREAT investment in making future repairs easier.

I have a gen-u-ine SnapOn fan clutch tool for BMW, but you'd need to drive from State College to the Lehigh Valley to borrow it. As others have said, any thin wrench about 32mm ought to work just fine. The threads are reverse.

Originally Posted by smolck

Glad to help. I have only met 2 BMW"s that this method didn't work on, and both had been overheated and had seized water pumps. So that is less than 5%. Should work for you! And here is a tip, when re-installing the fan, don't worry about torquing down the fan nut, it is reverse thread and can't come loose. Also, a smear of anti-sieze on the threads is a GREAT investment in making future repairs easier.

you da man! It took one tap on the 32mm with a 5lb sledge and it was free, totally painless and easy, if I had my thermostat it would have been done in about 20 minutes, picking it up tomorrow. Thanks so much to all.

Originally Posted by mmorningstar

you da man! It took one tap on the 32mm with a 5lb sledge and it was free, totally painless and easy, if I had my thermostat it would have been done in about 20 minutes, picking it up tomorrow. Thanks so much to all.

All props go to Scott ZHP as he was the one who enlightened me on this technique.

This Forum ROCKS !!!

Over in the E39s, we make our own fan clutch tools ...
- How to make your own BMW cooling system overhaul fan clutch nut counterhold tools (1) (2)

In fact, we make a lot of our own tools ...
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Originally Posted by smolck

Courtesy of.......well.........ME! Also, if you can't find a 32mm wrench, NAPA sells a 1 and 1/4" wrench (what I have) and it works just fine too.

Is that an automatic or a manual? I found your method and tried it out, but accidentally cracked the connector to the thermostat from the upper radiator hose. It just seems too tight in there, it might be because I only have an adjustable wrench (I have been looking for a skinnier one size 32mm or 1 1/4" wrench, but have had no luck locally). Now that the hose connect is cracked i am just going to remove it and try this again on the nut. I have an automatic by the way.

Originally Posted by Darth Emphatic

Is that an automatic or a manual? I found your method and tried it out, but accidentally cracked the connector to the thermostat from the upper radiator hose. It just seems too tight in there, it might be because I only have an adjustable wrench (I have been looking for a skinnier one size 32mm or 1 1/4" wrench, but have had no luck locally). Now that the hose connect is cracked i am just going to remove it and try this again on the nut. I have an automatic by the way.

At the time of the video my car was an automatic.

IIRC, only Bimmers with autotrannies have the mechanical fan sticking out the front of the engine. Manuals have an electrical fan that slides out oooh, so easily.

Originally Posted by jcourcoul

IIRC, only Bimmers with autotrannies have the mechanical fan sticking out the front of the engine. Manuals have an electrical fan that slides out oooh, so easily.

Not quite all of them. Some of the early model 5 speeds have a manual fan. Anything 02 and newer (that I have seen) has only the electrical.

Originally Posted by Scott ZHP

I have a gen-u-ine SnapOn fan clutch tool for BMW, but you'd need to drive from State College to the Lehigh Valley to borrow it. As others have said, any thin wrench about 32mm ought to work just fine. The threads are reverse.

Scott - any chance you'd be willing to let me borrow that? Lehigh Valley isn't too far from me. Or do you know the part number for the snap-on tool?

Originally Posted by smolck

Courtesy of.......well.........ME!

I love that video!

Every time I see it, I just wonder at your ingenuity.


Me? I use the $20 fan counterhold tools.


Since all the tools are free to work on the bimmer, I use whatever the Bentley says to use (but source it from Ebay or Harbor Freight or Sears or a bicycle shop as explained in the fan clutch tools DIY).


But, others use tools just as ingenious such as plumbing tools:


And, there are PLENTY of other ingenious alternatives (e.g., garage door opener, Lowe's $3 bars, plumbing tools at Home Depot, etc.), all with pictures and diagrams and prices in the thread I referenced already.



- How to make your own BMW cooling system overhaul fan clutch nut counterhold tools (1) (2)



And then again, there those who use unorthodox methods:


But, as stated, the hammer and 32mm method works just as well:

Originally Posted by mmorningstar

Anyone in Central PA know where to buy a fan clutch removal tool? I need to change the thermostat this weekend in the wifes E46, it's auto, so I need a fan clutch removal tool, I know I can source them on Ebay for about $40 but I really need to do it this weekend, so I'm trying to source one locally, any advice on where to buy one. or an alternate to make my own?

Easy fan clutch remove

Originally Posted by Ricardo567

Easy fan clutch remove

That was the most painful video I have ever seen. I couldn't get through more than a minute before I had to turn it off.

Originally Posted by SJBimmer

That was the most painful video I have ever seen. I couldn't get through more than a minute before I had to turn it off.

Really....that sh!t induces vertigo....