What's involved
What this repair actually is.
Trucks and rear-wheel-drive SUVs often use a belt-driven fan with a thermal clutch that engages the fan only when the engine gets hot. A worn clutch either never engages (overheating in traffic and while towing) or never releases (a constant roar and lost fuel economy). We replace the clutch, and the fan blade too if it's cracked or damaged.
Symptoms
How you can tell.
- Loud roaring noise that follows engine speed
- Overheating while towing or in traffic
- Fan spins freely with almost no resistance when the engine is off
- Poor fuel economy with a constant fan roar
- AC struggles at low speed
If you delay
A failed fan clutch lets the engine overheat under load, and a seized one wastes fuel and can eventually damage the fan or water pump bearing.
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
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