Fan Fallen off Spindle?

jacques schiddt · 14th July 2018, 14:59

Hi all,

I've just noticed that my radiator fan appears to have dropped off its spindle...or something. So, I turned on the ignition and had a listen at the front of the car and I hear an electric motor whizzing.

Is this common? Easy fix? Expensive nightmare?

Thanks folks,

J.S.

RogerHeinz57 · 14th July 2018, 16:25

This would indicate that indeed the fan blade set has parted company from the fan motor drive hub.
This is likely to happen if the motor has been removed from the plastic housing for some reason, and the fan blade unit not attached to the hub properly, this then can cause damage to the fan blade mounting to the hub, and unlikely to be re-fitted.
I have had a few of these happen and replaced the blade set, but they seem to be a one fit only affair as the plastic is easily fatigued allowing it to fall off.

T-Cut · 14th July 2018, 18:21

The blade unit is held on the drive flange by three clips that lock into holes in the flange. The heat conducted from the motor causes the centre of the fan unit to embrittle. This makes the clips prone to snapping off so the blade will easily detach. The MGR manual says the blades are a one time fit only and should be replaced if removed for any reason. Some people have used a self-tapping screw to retain the fan to the flange after drilling a hole through them.

TC

T-Cut · 14th July 2018, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacques schiddt

I turned on the ignition and had a listen at the front of the car and I hear an electric motor whizzing.

Presumably the aircon system was set to run at ignition on. Is that correct?

TC

SD1too · 15th July 2018, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacques schiddt

Is this common? Easy fix?

It’s not common and should be easy to repair. Remove the front bumper and make an assessment. If the fan blades are undamaged it may be a simple case of reattaching them. However fitting new might be necessary. If they’re attached properly there should be no problem re-using the existing.

Simon

Arctic · 15th July 2018, 08:58

As above the fan blade can be reused, but first check the securing tabs on the blade inside, if you think they may have reduced a little then again as above you can had a one or two self tapping screws to hold the fan on permanently.

You will need to remove the crash bar to gain good access to fit the blade the motor union, a thin walled socket to hold the bolt while you turn the blade anticlockwise.

jacques schiddt · 15th July 2018, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Presumably the aircon system was set to run at ignition on. Is that correct?

TC

I've been avoiding using aircon, on account that it never works. I had it re-gased two years ago and it wasn't very cold. Thinking about in now...I wonder if the fan had already dropped off and wasn't cooling the system and has consequently trashed the compressor! Dammit!
I've just done the short-circuit test of the two black and red wires from the "trinary" plug and nowt happened!

On the demist test, I can hear the fan's motor whirring...I think. So, I'm going to pull the bumper off again and attach the fan with a self-tapper...I hope I don't drill too deep!

Cheers,

J.S.

jacques schiddt · 15th July 2018, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

The blade unit is held on the drive flange by three clips that lock into holes in the flange. The heat conducted from the motor causes the centre of the fan unit to embrittle. This makes the clips prone to snapping off so the blade will easily detach. The MGR manual says the blades are a one time fit only and should be replaced if removed for any reason. Some people have used a self-tapping screw to retain the fan to the flange after drilling a hole through them.

TC

Thanks, I'll get my drill out now. Watch this space...

J.S.

Arctic · 15th July 2018, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacques schiddt

Thanks, I'll get my drill out now. Watch this space...

J.S.

If you take your time you should be ok few photo's again below which may help

RoverP480 · 15th July 2018, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacques schiddt

I've been avoiding using aircon, on account that it never works. I had it re-gased two years ago and it wasn't very cold. Thinking about in now...I wonder if the fan had already dropped off and wasn't cooling the system and has consequently trashed the compressor! Dammit! J.S.

When the fan failed on my diesel, the aircon would work initially but in traffic cut out as it got too hot. On the move above about 40mph it would work again. I would have thought the system would protect the compressor in these circumstances

14th July 2018, 14:59	#1
jacques schiddt Avid contributor Rover 75 Cdti 131bhp saloon Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Aylesbury Posts: 102 Thanks: 19 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Fan Fallen off Spindle? Hi all, I've just noticed that my radiator fan appears to have dropped off its spindle...or something. So, I turned on the ignition and had a listen at the front of the car and I hear an electric motor whizzing. Is this common? Easy fix? Expensive nightmare? Thanks folks, J.S. __________________ The Rover 75...Designed by Sadists - Owned by Masochists!

14th July 2018, 18:21	#3
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	The blade unit is held on the drive flange by three clips that lock into holes in the flange. The heat conducted from the motor causes the centre of the fan unit to embrittle. This makes the clips prone to snapping off so the blade will easily detach. The MGR manual says the blades are a one time fit only and should be replaced if removed for any reason. Some people have used a self-tapping screw to retain the fan to the flange after drilling a hole through them. TC Last edited by T-Cut; 14th July 2018 at 18:27..

15th July 2018, 08:58	#6
Arctic Give to Learn Freelander 2 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Midlands Posts: 18,713 Thanks: 1,155 Thanked 6,407 Times in 3,874 Posts	As above the fan blade can be reused, but first check the securing tabs on the blade inside, if you think they may have reduced a little then again as above you can had a one or two self tapping screws to hold the fan on permanently. You will need to remove the crash bar to gain good access to fit the blade the motor union, a thin walled socket to hold the bolt while you turn the blade anticlockwise. __________________ Arctic Givology Learn to Give Everything is Achievable ad altiora tendo. Check out our Nano meet dates http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/index.php?thepage=howto " You do the work , we supply the expertise "

14th July 2018, 16:25	#2
RogerHeinz57 I really should get out more....... A Reasonably Priced Car Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Burton Latimer Posts: 2,530 Thanks: 408 Thanked 1,064 Times in 712 Posts	This would indicate that indeed the fan blade set has parted company from the fan motor drive hub. This is likely to happen if the motor has been removed from the plastic housing for some reason, and the fan blade unit not attached to the hub properly, this then can cause damage to the fan blade mounting to the hub, and unlikely to be re-fitted. I have had a few of these happen and replaced the blade set, but they seem to be a one fit only affair as the plastic is easily fatigued allowing it to fall off.