2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Fan Problem

Tiny
PMCD1983
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 with 117000 miles. It has a 5.2L V8 and I haven't really had any problems. The belt has been replaced once or twice, I just can't remember. On a recent long distance trip, I spent the entire time driving in the rain. The belt starting squealing so I stopped to check to make sure everything was ok. Everything was fine. I returned home and upon turning on my street a clanging noise started coming from the engine compartment. When I pulled into the driveway, part of my belt had come off and was wrapped around the fan. I got the pieces of the belt off the fan and replaced the belt. Now, when I turn on the truck, a weird sound starts and the fan seems to have excess wobble. Is this easily fixable? Should I continue to drive the truck or should I have it towed to a repair place to have it fixed?
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Saturday, July 21st, 2007 AT 7:07 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Usually if the belt comes apart in strips it is due to misalignment. Look carefully atthe front of the engine for any accessory that is at an angle or not aligned with the rest of them. Might even want to remove the belt and spin all accessories by hand to check for play. The fan requires a special set of wrenches to hold the w/pump pulley while loosening the fan
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Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
PMCD1983
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I checked all the accessories and the only one with excessive play is the actual fan itself, as far as I can tell. It looks as though there are two screws that may be loose on it.
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Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
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Did tightening them make the play go away?
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Monday, July 23rd, 2007 AT 7:25 AM
Tiny
PMCD1983
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Unfortunately, it did not. I took the truck to a repair shop that I use and they told me that the water pump had a bearing that had gone bad over time. The water pump that is in there is the original water pump. Does this sound like a logical explaination?
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 AT 5:08 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Sure does. The new cars and truck with automatic tensioners keep alot of tension on the belt, so when an accessory bearing starts to go out, it really will make noise and wobble
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 AT 8:02 AM

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