B7 Radiator Cooling Fan Replacement

[Brotherturtle]

I have done all of the testing and found that both of my radiator fans are dead. I went to a you-pull-it parts yard to practice and see if I could do the labor myself. I removed everything from the bumper to the radiator with not much trouble. But the radiator was a nightmare. The refrigerant lines were rusted and broke off when i tried to remove them. The transmission fluid lines were also not fun. But I was able to get the radiator out and get the fan assembly out.

My question is if there is a better way to do this without removing the radiator? While I'm that far into it, I want to do a timing belt and water pump. I appreciate any help. Thanks.


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[rhfosu]

Yes. You don't need to do any of that. just remove the crash bar and pull the core support out a few inches. ECS sells extended lock carrier bolts for this purpose. You have enough room to work and slide the fans out without disconnecting any of the radiator or condenser lines. I've done this twice now.

[RDA990]

You can remove the fans from the opposite side just like Rhfous mentioned. You would have to remove the whole fan housing with both fans attached but is easier than struggling with the coolant and ATF hoses IMO.

I see you went with junkyard fans, I made that mistake a few years ago on a B6 and B7 (same exact fans). The brushes on both fans seized up and stopped working, so don't be surprised if you're doing the fans again in a few years.

This time I decided to gamble and go with $100 dual TYC fans on both cars vs OEM Valeo $300 fans.

[dalmation53]

You did not have to remove any of that. Just put it in service position and thats it unbolt it and done.

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[rhfosu]

You can remove the fans from the opposite side just like Rhfous mentioned. You would have to remove the whole fan housing with both fans attached but is easier than struggling with the coolant and ATF hoses IMO.

I see you went with junkyard fans, I made that mistake a few years ago on a B6 and B7 (same exact fans). The brushes on both fans seized up and stopped working, so don't be surprised if you're doing the fans again in a few years.

This time I decided to gamble and go with $100 dual TYC fans on both cars vs OEM Valeo $300 fans.

I highly recommend the TYC fans. They are loud, so you know they are working. They seem to spin fast and push a lot of air.

[Brotherturtle]

Yes. You don't need to do any of that. just remove the crash bar and pull the core support out a few inches. ECS sells extended lock carrier bolts for this purpose. You have enough room to work and slide the fans out without disconnecting any of the radiator or condenser lines. I've done this twice now.

By crash bar, are you talking about the steel bumper which is just under the plastic bumper cover? I would love to see pics if anyone has any. Also, if it's done this way, I should have enough room to do the timing belt and water pump once the fans are out, right?


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[Brotherturtle]

I see you went with junkyard fans, I made that mistake a few years ago on a B6 and B7 (same exact fans). The brushes on both fans seized up and stopped working, so don't be surprised if you're doing the fans again in a few years.

I actually didn't get the used fans for that very reason. I was at the parts yard to get a few things for my wife's car. But I wanted to see if I could do this fan job before I tried on my own car. So I left those fans there for someone else. But I did find a fan/shroud assembly on 1A Auto's eBay store for $175. So Im going to get those and a new module for another $50 or $75.



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[RDA990]

I actually didn't get the used fans for that very reason. I was at the parts yard to get a few things for my wife's car. But I wanted to see if I could do this fan job before I tried on my own car. So I left those fans there for someone else. But I did find a fan/shroud assembly on 1A Auto's eBay store for $175. So Im going to get those and a new module for another $50 or $75.

Sorry I misread the first post, I thought you bought the used fans. I went with this one which has good reviews and a good price:

https://www.europaparts.com/dual-rad...8e0998455.html

What you want to do is place the front into the carrier service position which involves bringing the whole front out a few inches. This will give you enough room to do the timing belt job & swap the fan assembly. IMO since you're already in there you might as well do the water pump, thermostat, and maybe the rear coolant flange if it's never been done.

Here's a video on how to put the front into service position:

https://youtu.be/VVeNWepwkrY