How to Replace the Fan in a Jeep Wrangler
by William Boyce
The engine fan in the Jeep Wrangler helps the radiator to disperse heat energy from the engine and keep it within its operating temperature. The fan is mounted just behind the radiator. It includes a clutch assembly that alters the fan speed according to signals it receives from the engine thermostat. The clutch is driven by the water pump and automatically speeds up or slows down to maintain the appropriate amount of cooling.
Remove the Fan
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable using either a box wrench or socket wrench.
Step 2
Loosen the fan shroud bolts with a wrench and remove the fan shroud from the engine compartment. There are typically four bolts that hold the fan shroud to the radiator assembly.
Step 3
Loosen the bolts holding the fan clutch to the water pump with a wrench.
Step 4
Lift the fan clutch from the engine compartment. Look carefully at the fan to see if any of the blades are damaged and are in need of replacement.
Unbolt the fan from the clutch with a wrench.
Install the New Fan
Step 1
Attach the new fan to the clutch by tightening the bolts with a wrench.
Step 2
Bolt the fan and clutch assembly to the water pump with a wrench.
Lower the fan shroud into position and tighten its mounting bolts with a wrench.
References
- "Jeep Cherokee Automotive Repair Manual"; Bob Henderson and John H Haynes; 1991
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver set
Warnings
- Never operate the engine with a damaged fan as it could fly apart at any time and cause serious injury.
Writer Bio
William Boyce started writing professionally in 2009. His work has appeared on FreePress.net and his own blog. Boyce was a registered professional forester in central British Columbia for 24 years. He has a Bachelor of Science in forestry from the University of British Columbia.
