Water Pump Removal 2001

[wyatt earp]

This may or may not be the place to post the question. I just can't seem to find where better I need to, so please direct me to the proper place if this is not it. Anyway, I'm trying to replace the water pump on my 2001 Suburban and I'm stuck trying to get this darn fan clutch assy off. The pully turned no matter how much tension I put on the belt so I took the belt off and tried a strap wrench to hold the pulley, but it still is slipping. Should I try to take off the water pump with the assy in place as I've read from others? and then get it off on the bench? I also heard of somebody using an air hammer against the wrench on the fan nut, but I don't think I have that many hands. Help!! please.

[minibike132]

There are 4 holes in the pulley and a special tool with 2 pins to hold it, lots of places have that or another tool that has 2 hooks that grab the bolts. Me, I take an air hammer with a dull punch bit and hit the flat right near the point, your truck your money, my way you risk dammaging the clutch, the other way you buy a tool your going to use once.

[minibike132]

 

Here is the 2 hook design most places carry it. You probably won't find a decent tool for under $70.

[minibike132]

Try view new posts and go to the recall site 96vette posted. Thats the agency that gets the recall ball rollin.

[minibike132]

Try view new posts and go to the recall site 96vette posted. Thats the agency that gets the recall ball rollin.

 

Strike that, It was ment for another thread. What I ment to say is...Here is the 2 pin design, click on enlarge image for the spanner wrench.

[alvocado]

It would be worth a call to Autozone or Advance Auto to see if they have one in their loaner tool pool. You might also try Harbor Freight as they carry a lot of automotive specialty tools at low prices. The quality isn't great but for seldomly used tools, it's a good option.

[Mikeee]

It would be worth a call to Autozone or Advance Auto to see if they have one in their loaner tool pool. You might also try Harbor Freight as they carry a lot of automotive specialty tools at low prices. The quality isn't great but for seldomly used tools, it's a good option.

 

I went to:

Sears

Advance Auto

Auto Zone

O'rileys

Pep Boyz

Harbor Freight

Northern Tool

NAPA

 

No one had it.

I was told the best way to remove (lossen) the fan clutch was to leave the S-belt on and insert the wrench onto the knut and wack the wrench with a striking tool (i.e. hammer). The knut is a normal "ritee titee leftee loosee". I think the knut is 36mm. I used my 18" cresent wrench.

[asilverblazer]

Have you tried putting more pressure on the tensioner. Like relieving the tension only opposite? Thats what I usually do.

[wyatt earp]

This may or may not be the place to post the question. I just can't seem to find where better I need to, so please direct me to the proper place if this is not it. Anyway, I'm trying to replace the water pump on my 2001 Suburban and I'm stuck trying to get this darn fan clutch assy off. The pully turned no matter how much tension I put on the belt so I took the belt off and tried a strap wrench to hold the pulley, but it still is slipping. Should I try to take off the water pump with the assy in place as I've read from others? and then get it off on the bench? I also heard of somebody using an air hammer against the wrench on the fan nut, but I don't think I have that many hands. Help!! please.

 

I ended up borrowing a tool from a friend of mine's garage which had 3 pins that held the pulley. Pulling one direction with that and pushing in the direction the fan moves with a wrench for that nut, I had the fan/clutch off in less than 15 seconds! All is back together and runs great. I had a small problem with an air pocket once I started back up, but was able to get rid of it.

[Mikeee]

Have you tried putting more pressure on the tensioner. Like relieving the tension only opposite? Thats what I usually do.

 

I'm sure I thought of that but for some reason lost that thought.

[Big_D]

i have a 2000 silverado and when i changed the water pump, i actually used a boa constrictor strap wrench(u know the blue handle one, can get at canadian tire or ebay) on the pulley...it slipped a bit but i just had to wash the rubber strap with soap and water and i could loosen the fan/clutch off the pulley pretty quick

 

[Mikeee]

Yea, I used the strap wrench as well.

The handle is too short for leverage and it wiggled all over the place.

For me anyway.

But then . . . I was not drinking any beer either.

[towlights]

Yea, I used the strap wrench as well.

The handle is too short for leverage and it wiggled all over the place.

For me anyway.

But then . . . I was not drinking any beer either.

 

 

here's what i know, tried the special tools they say are supposed to work lost half the skin off the back of my hand threw the tool under the tool box where they now collect dust, go old school, leave the belt on use an air chisel just long enough to break the nut free then it spins off free by hand. Remember some clutch fans a reverse thread if it doesn't work one way try the other

[JimChooz]

You may all laugh at me but on my '99 5.3 I took a scratch awl, put it thru one of the holes and wedged it against the block. Nut came right off.

[markw8]

I dont laugh at simple solutions. Mark.