RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.2L VIN Y (1997)
Viscous Fan Drive: Service and Repair
Removal
CAUTION: If the viscous fan drive is replaced because of mechanical damage, the cooling fan blades should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue
cracks, loose blades, or loose rivets that could have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan blade assembly if any of these conditions are found.
Also inspect water pump bearing and shaft assembly for any related damage due to a viscous fan drive malfunction.
1. Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
2. Remove throttle cable at top of fan shroud.
3. Unsnap coolant reserve/overflow tank from fan shroud and lay aside. The tank is held to shroud with T-shaped slots. Do not disconnect hose or
drain coolant from tank.
4. The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to water pump hub shaft. Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly
from water pump by turning mounting nut counterclockwise as viewed from front. Threads on viscous fan drive are RIGHT-HAND. A Snap-On 36
MM Fan Wrench (number SP346 from Snap-On Cummins Diesel Tool Set number 2017DSP), or equivalent can be used. Place a bar or
screwdriver between water pump pulley bolts to prevent pulley from rotating.
5. Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous fan drive assembly from vehicle at this time.
6. Do not unbolt fan blade assembly from viscous fan drive at this time.
7. Remove four fan shroud-to-radiator mounting bolts.
8. Remove fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly as a complete unit from vehicle.
9. After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly, do not place viscous fan drive in horizontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in
the viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing assembly and contaminate lubricant.
CAUTION: Do not remove water pump pulley-to-water pump bolts. This pulley is under spring tension.
10. Remove four bolts securing fan blade assembly to viscous fan drive.
CAUTION: Some engines equipped with serpentine drive belts have reverse rotating fans and viscous fan drives. They are marked with the word
REVERSE to designate their usage. Installation of the wrong fan or viscous fan drive can result in engine overheating.
