98 A6 Quattro, 141k

I looked under my hood today and noticed that the fan that is belt driven is missing half of a one blade. The car is not making any unusual sounds but, I am worried the missing fan blade could cause a problem.

Is this something that needs to be changed asap or will it be ok? Also is the a job I could do myself or is it one I need to have it taken to a shop?

 

not an emergency that fan is so light dont think you will have any trouble. extended use could cause bearing wear. it is attached by 4 - 6 mm bolts if you can get to them without putting the lock carrier in service position its a very simple job.

 

I read that I need special tools to remove the fan blade, is this true?

 

You need a special tool that you can rent from autozone (or similar store) to break loose the fan clutch. When you look down you will see the fan clutch connected to a large nut, the tool you need is to break this nut loose. Its reverse threaded and you need something to hold the engine still while you break it loose. Unless you have the air hammer attachment, which im pretty sure you don't.

 

your right, I don't have an air hammer attachment. So I only need one special tool to remove the fan blade? Also, I have read that the belt may or may not have to be removed, I hope I don't have to remove the belt.

 

if you can get to the 4 bolts that bolt the fan to the clutch there is no heed for any speacial tools remove the 4 bolts and the fan cones off the clutch. if you cant get into the 4 bolts you will have to remove the clutch with the special spanner wrench.and a 11/4 open end wrench.

 

If I can get to the four bolts, will I need to remove the belt that drives the fan?

 

Is there any need to remove the belt?

 

If you are removing the fan clutch (which you need to do) you need to remove the serpintine belt. Its not that hard, the belt routing diagram should be right under the hood. The tensioner is spring loaded so it shouldn't be that hard to remove with just a simple wrench or ratchet. Its much easier than removing the clutch fan you'll find out.

 

So I need to remove the serpentine belt and then remove the fan blade? I don't want to brake anything else in the process. I found the fan blade online for $40, is that a good price? Thanks for your help.