Fan clutch removal (2005 LJ)

[ike_hike]

My harmonic balancer needs replacing, and I'm having a heck of time getting the fan clutch unbolted. Here is a really stupid question, just to make sure:

To loosen the fan clutch, I turn the bolt counter clockwise, correct? This seems to be the direction based on the YT videos. As in: I am at the bumper, looking at the engine, and turning the bolt toward the passenger side.

Thanks!

 

[JKP]

Yes, lefty loosy.

A large adjustable wrench or the specific fan nut wrench and a strap wrench around the water pump pulley should work.

 

[ike_hike]

I started with a strap wrench and a fan nut wrench. Then I locked the pulley down with a ratchet strap hooked into the frame, and really pulled hard on the wrench. Then, I beat on that wrench with a 3lb hammer, both striking to the left and striking down while I pulled to the left. Nothing.

Next, I am about to try an air hammer with a fan clutch wrench attachment.

 

[OldBuzzard]

A large adjustable wrench and a hammer. Usually, one whack on the wrench with the hammer will knock it loose easier than all the pushing and pulling you can do.

Edit: Hmm, we were typing at the same time. I see you've already tried that.

 

[jrfuda]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/easiest-fan-clutch-removal-ever.37875/

 

[Juggernaut]

I started with a strap wrench and a fan nut wrench. Then I locked the pulley down with a ratchet strap hooked into the frame, and really pulled hard on the wrench. Then, I beat on that wrench with a 3lb hammer, both striking to the left and striking down while I pulled to the left. Nothing.

Next, I am about to try an air hammer with a fan clutch wrench attachment.

Air hammer with a chisel tip on the edge of the flat of the nut. I take them off this way without even holding the crank pulley or balancer.

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

air hammer all the way.

 

[DuckNut]

I just borrow a wrench from the auto parts store and whack it with a hammer. One good, sharp blow and it is hand loose.