I have a 2001 A4 Wagon and I'm trying to change the alternator. This isn't the one that requires the service position of the front end, but taking the viscous fan clutch bolt out to get that lower alternator bolt out of the housing.

I found a pin spanner wrench to fit the pulley and I have my 8mm hex head bolt but I've heard that this bolt could be a left hand or reverse thread. I've put a lot of torque on this to loosen it either way but can't seem to break it loose. I'm nervous I'll strip or snap the bolt and then be stuck.

Can someone tell me if it's the traditional rightey-tightey, lefty loosey?

Thanks for helping out a new Audi owner...
-Makrel

 

Funny, I just did this yesterday...otherwise I'd be no help at all. Yes, that bolt has a reverse thread so lefty-tighty, righty-loosey. If you're facing the car, to loosen the bolt, turn the wrench clockwise.

 

Man, I just got off the phone w/ Audi service that said its a conventional regular thread...
Just to be clear, this is the one I'm talking about:the bolt runs through the bracket and is basically the shaft that the fan would spin on.
I've twisted a hex wrench or two trying to get it off... this may not be exact as far as the pic goes, but it's very close.

 

speaking of reverse threads...the axle bolts wouldnt happen to be reverse threads would they?

 

Travis, no the axle bolts are both RHT.
Makrel, if you're talking about the four small bolts that attach the plastic viscous fan to the fan clutch, I think they are regular RHT bolts, although I did that job 3 months ago, so I'm not 100% - but I'd probably remember if any bolts were LHT.

 

If you're talking about the large bolt that attaches the fan clutch to the pulley (which isn't in the picture you posted), then that is definitely RH thread (reverse)...you'll need to turn the wrench clockwise. See step 6:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng39.shtml

 

Sine, RHT is Right Hand Thread, which is the conventional lefty-loosey, righty-tighty.
LHT or Left hand thread is the opposite, and is used in applications in which the movement of the parts would cause a RHT bolt to back itself out.

 

I blame Dan Larson.

And either way, that bolt has a reverse thread.

 

What can use to hold it

 

I have an Audi A4 B5 1.8 AEB I have an alley on the 8 Mill bolt every time I turn it The fan clutch turns as well what tool can I use to hold the fan clutch while I pushed down clockwise on the 8mill