How Much Does a Fan Clutch Replacement Cost?
The fan clutch helps control how quickly the cooling fan spins against the radiator. The hotter engine gets, the more the fan spins, but if it isn’t functioning properly, then the fan won’t spin the way it should, therefore, not providing the cooling the engine needs. In most cases, it will either spin too much, wasting power from the engine or won’t spin at all, causing the engine to overheat.
How much does a fan clutch replacement cost?
A fan clutch will range anywhere from $75 to $200 for just the part, depending on the car you drive. For instance, at AutoZone, the most popular fan clutch parts retail for $90 to $175.
When labor is factored in, the costs can be between $285 to $500 to replace the fan clutch only, depending on your geographical location, the car you drive and mechanic you choose. These prices, as indicated below, can increase, if the components causing the fan clutch to fail need to be replaced.
We researched online to see what people paid at a local mechanic to have their fan clutch only and included our findings in the table below:
| Make/Model | Average Price |
|---|---|
| BMW 330Ci | $385 to $500 |
| Dodge Durango | $145 to $250 |
| Ford F150 | $175 to $400 |
| Ford Ranger | $155 to $280 |
| GMC Envoy | $350 to $475 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $175 to $300 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $195 to $325 |
On this Trailvoy.com forum thread, for example, one member said he paid $560 to replace the water pump and fan clutch. The breakdown, according to his bill, was as follows: $433 for the part, $87 for the labor and $30 for the sales tax.
Replacing a fan clutch overview
A mechanic, before they replace the fan clutch, will inspect the radiator, cooling fan and the fan clutch to see why the fan is running the way it should. If the fan clutch is the issue, then it may either be replaced or even rebuilt if the situation allows; however, most of the time, the part will be replaced completely.
What are the extra costs?
Several components, aside from the fan clutch can cause the fan clutch to function incorrectly. For example, most mechanics will recommend replacing the water pump because both of these parts tend to age at the same rate. The water pump itself can cost $50 to $175, but when labor is included, this can add another $300 to $500; however, the rates may drop when combined with a fan clutch job.
Tips to know:
Common symptoms of a failing fan clutch can include an overheating engine and/or a rattling or clicking sound coming from the engine compartment.
When upgrading your fan clutch, always replace the part with the same part as before. While you can upgrade from a nonthermal to a more efficient pump, you can’t replace in the reverse.
How can I save money?
A failing fan clutch can cause a lot more damage if you ignore the issue. The minute you hear noise coming from your engine, take it to a mechanic immediately to have them properly diagnose it. Even if you can’t afford the repair today, the $300 repair will be a lot easier than a $3,500 new engine.
If you do not have the tools to remove this clutch, consider renting them for free from local auto parts shops such as AutoZone.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
