Cooling fan replacement
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Cooling fan replacement
How much does a cooling fan replacement cost?
Your engine’s primary defense against extreme heat is a cooling system that includes a radiator.
Sometimes it needs a little extra help with airflow, and a cooling fan is just the item for the job.
Through normal operation, the cooling fan cycles regularly and can be subject to wear and tear.
The engine cooling fan will often last the whole life of your car, but occasionally, the cooling fan can fail.
The average cost for cooling fan replacement is $240 to $610 depending on the make, model, and style of cooling fan used.
In high-heat climates around Australia, it’s more common to see cooling fan failures because the engine’s cooling system requires it more!
What is a cooling fan?
A cooling fan is a supporting component in your car’s cooling system.
The fan draws air through the radiator when the fan is engaged, drawing heat out of the hot coolant circulating through the radiator.
Older models may have a mechanical cooling fan driven by the drive belt while most modern cars have an electric cooling fan mounted on the radiator.
Some cars even have dual electric cooling fans to increase the fan’s function.
The fan itself has plastic blades and it’s attached to a drive system.
The older mechanical system is a clutch-style hub attached to a drive pulley, and it engages when the temperature starts to climb.
The modern electric cooling fan is driven by an electric motor that starts up when a temperature sensor indicates it should do so.
When the cooling fan has damaged blades or it does not engage when the engine is hot, it will require replacement.
Symptoms you require cooling fan replacement
- The engine temperature exceeds normal operating temperature or your engine overheats
- The cooling fan blades are cracked or broken
- The cooling fan won’t engage when at operating temperature
- The fuse for the cooling fan blows repeatedly
How is a cooling fan replaced?
- The cooling fan shroud is removed for access to the cooling fan
- On clutch-style cooling fans, a fan clutch tool is used to hold the fan in place while it’s unbolted
- On electric cooling fans, the electrical connector is disconnected and the fan assembly is unfastened from the radiator assembly
- A new cooling fan is fitted
- The technician road tests the car to operating temperature, ensuring the cooling fan activates
Tips to remember
- Always check the cooling fan relay and fuse for proper operation prior to cooling fan replacement
- Never work on the cooling fan while the engine is hot – the fan can engage unexpectedly, causing injury
How important is cooling fan replacement?
Without a properly functioning cooling fan, your engine could easily overheat while you’re driving, causing engine or cooling system damage.
Continuing to operate your car with a broken cooling fan invites a breakdown that could leave you stranded, along with expensive engine repairs.
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.
We let you search and book from over 1600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
