The most important part is to FIRST position the water pump pulley with 32 mm open wrench so you can align those water pump bolts to perfectly fit the tool! Because pulley bolts are offset. Your video shows how pulley holding tool SHOULD BE POSITIONED. Once fitted properly, 32 mm open wrench does the job in counter-clockwise direction. Good advice is to spray the fan clutch nut with some thin penetrant fluid, like WD40 few times and few days before doing the job, it helps. Sometimes it's easier to take it off after a good drive, when hot. Best video, thank you!
A word of caution.That 32mm nut can be an absolute bastard to loosen off because they rust on or were over tightened beyond the specified torque.If this is the case there is a high risk that the plastic waterpump housing will split even if the retaining tool is sitting correctly in place.BMW have a love affair with plastic so be prepared for lots of nightmares if you own one.
I am stumped as all get out on this process. I’m working on removing the fan and clutch assembly a 2003 BMW 325i. Every film I have watched from more knowledgeable mechanics have all turned the fan nut the same way, clock-wise or towards the driver’s side of the engine bay. I have done confirmation by turning the ignition key to rotate the engine, checking BMW forums and with a dealer and the engine rotates the same way, clockwise or towards the driver’s side of the engine bay. So, it stands to reason that the fan nut needs to turn counter-clockwise or towards the passenger side of the engine bay. What am I missing here?
The most important part is to FIRST position the water pump pulley with 32 mm open wrench so you can align those water pump bolts to perfectly fit the tool! Because pulley bolts are offset.
Your video shows how pulley holding tool SHOULD BE POSITIONED. Once fitted properly, 32 mm open wrench does the job in counter-clockwise direction.
Good advice is to spray the fan clutch nut with some thin penetrant fluid, like WD40 few times and few days before doing the job, it helps. Sometimes it's easier to take it off after a good drive, when hot.
Best video, thank you!
Excellent video thank you very much.
Glad it helped
A word of caution.That 32mm nut can be an absolute bastard to loosen off because they rust on or were over tightened beyond the specified torque.If this is the case there is a high risk that the plastic waterpump housing will split even if the retaining tool is sitting correctly in place.BMW have a love affair with plastic so be prepared for lots of nightmares if you own one.
I am stumped as all get out on this process. I’m working on removing the fan and clutch assembly a 2003 BMW 325i. Every film I have watched from more knowledgeable mechanics have all turned the fan nut the same way, clock-wise or towards the driver’s side of the engine bay.
I have done confirmation by turning the ignition key to rotate the engine, checking BMW forums and with a dealer and the engine rotates the same way, clockwise or towards the driver’s side of the engine bay.
So, it stands to reason that the fan nut needs to turn counter-clockwise or towards the passenger side of the engine bay.
What am I missing here?