J Young

Was washing the engine on my '96 993 and noticed that the cooling fan & its pulley are quite loose on the alternator shaft (has some play in all directions). I assume this isn't normal, but have not noticed any noise, etc. up to this point. Is this the problem that drives the need for the "pulley update" that I've seen in some of the older posts? As it seems it takes a special tool to get this apart (which I don't have) is it safe to drive it for 10 or so miles to a shop? Is Porsche covering the update under warranty?

Thanks

Jeff 993TT

Here are some useful links regarding alternator stuff:

<a href="http://p-car.com/diy/vbelt/" target="_blank">Alternator belt DIY</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000414" target="_blank">Alternator Pulley Update</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000717" target="_blank">Is pulley assembly update a DIY?</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001824" target="_blank">Recommended 993 Toolkit</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002416" target="_blank">Harmonic hum</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002754" target="_blank">Pulley Belts</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=003649" target="_blank">Loose fan pulley (?)</a>

The special tool you need is called a 12 point allen tool. This update was not covered under warranty for me, but it's an inexpensive repair. After having my turbos replaced under warranty, my concept of inexpensive repair has changed a bit.

Good luck!

J Young

Thanks for the info. Turns out it was the fan bearing that was worn. Seems a bit unusual....

jhb

How much did it cost to replace, looks like this might be my problem (see thread "Harmonic Hum")

J Young

$450 at a dealer (was in a hurry to get it fixed). Two parts were replaced - the fan bearing and the impeller hub (I haven't seen a parts explosion but assume it's part of the fan assy).

(The service mgr. warned me before starting that the bearing has to be pressed out of the fan and that about 50% of the time the fan itself breaks.) Makes you think this must be a fairly common repair.

I didn't have any unusual noise or hum with mine beforehand, and wouldn't have even noticed it if I hadn't been messing with the fan.

Good luck.