MN A6 Avant

The blade for my primary cooling fan (next to, but not over the A/C condenser) is completely off the bearings. I searched the Tech Articles and came-up empty. Anyone have a how-to article and/or diagram that will guide me?

First ~80 degree day of the year and the temp guage was climbing a bit high, then the flashing red oil can appeared on the main display accompanied by warning beeps. Tech at a local shop said this was probably related to the extreme heat of the engine due to the broken fan, as the oil level is just fine. The car definitely didn't like the heat, it just didn't feel happy at all.

Do you guys agree with his assesment that replacing this broken fan will cure these symptoms, or might something else be up?

Many thanks!

I should note it's a 2003 with the normally aspirated 3.0.

MN A6 Avant

Also, could someone help me out with a part number please? Does one need to replace the entire assembly with both fans, or can the main fan be replaced separately?

Thank you!

Redneck Truck

Pretty sure it just bolts together. Have you pulled the whole assembly off and examined it? It could have just lost the bolts.

MN A6 Avant

I haven't had a chance to pull it yet. I'm not sure how to access it! From the bottom? Do I need to remove the front clip and pull the radiator?

Any help is appreciated!

Redneck Truck

Should be able to reach down there with a 32mm or 30mm wrench (i forget which), turn the big nut clockwise as it faces you, and the fan should come off. You may have to put the car in service position to get it out of the core support, but I don't remember.

MN A6 Avant

You were onto something, in that nothing looks broken, it looks like the fan just came unbolted. However, there is no apparent way to access the side of the fan between the radiator and the fan motor to reattach it. Do I need to pull the whole bumper and the radiator to access this??

mstriker2

I am sorry to post on the wrong thread. Why I am posting introduction here? I could not found the introduction thread. I just joined this community and do not want to go out without posting any comments. I have decided to become the permananet member of this useful community. My name is jack and I work in a wireless internet company in New York. I am studying master of computer sciences.

Redneck Truck

can we delete that post?

MN A6 Avant

Update: I pulled the front bumper, released and lowered the condenser, and removed the radiator.

The good news: the retaining clip that holds the fan blade onto the motor had slipped off along with the blade. Just reinstalled both and the fan works again and the operating temp is good.

The bad news: it appears some refrigerant leaked from the passenger side connection near the bottom of the condenser. Now my A/C is stuck on "econ". Drat!