Since I didn't find any useful info in my search besides the usual not-locking issue when hot, figured I'd start a thread to get some more insight on this part and its issues.

Can anyone tell me some of the signs that this part may be on its way out? Does it make any strange sounds, rattles, etc?

Think mine is starting to break down but need some more info. Think its making some rattling noises.

Thanks.

The "spin test" is iffy at best. Clutch fan performance starts to degrade from day one. If you don't know how old it is, best to just replace it and go from there.

its fairly cheap part to replace. 98plum crazy has on for sale in the "forsale" area. i put in on for him in july. then in aug he went with a duel fan setup, so i know for a fact that its only been on for a month. & in like new shape. u could prolly get it for cheap. also id rather replace it instead of overheating in traffic with family. good insurance in my book.

I'm replacing mine with the HD ZJ version (Napa # 272310).

But, I'm also trying to diagnose the current noise I hear from that area and wanted to see what symptoms I could see/hear.

Depends on what sound your hearing.. i dont know if the fan make any noises when bad maybe the clutch part.. But if you hear a grinding noise it could be possible that your a/c compressor is going bad or the clutch on the fan..

What sound/noises are are you hearing??

I'd call it more of a rattle.....not grinding realy. Its in the area of the fan, so I'm guessing the clutch going. I'm getting the noise at start-up and anytime that fan is on.

the easiest way to test it is to start you car and drive it around till it is ant normal operating temp (210* or higher) then park some where and rev it up to 2200rpm, roll your windows down and it should sound like you have a wind tunnel under your hood. that is the only way i know how to test it. it also does this right on start up if in good condition if it is really cold outside. there is a fluid in there that activates with you hit 190* and catches the clutch inside harder and harder till it locks up at 220* so it should sound like when you put your head next to a fan at home

Little update.....

Stopped at the mechanic today to get a quote on the ZJ fan clutch, as well as to have him hear the noise.

He had me shut the XJ off, he did the spin test, noticed some play in the fan......not just spin, but a little movement like its not mounted well. He then grabbed on of the fan blades with a channel lock and had me start the XJ up. With the engine running and fan stationary, the noise was pretty distinct. He says its a bearing or whatever the fan clutch is mounted to.

So, I come home and check the parts PDF file to see if I can find the part he is referring to. All I see are various pulleys and brackets, but nothing noting a bearing or anything like that.

Anyone have a clue what could be the part needing replacement?

Thanks!

Here's the parts page I "think" he was referring to....not sure which part though....

most clutch fans will also start to leak oil when they go bad.

Leak oil from where?

Could my issue be a worn pulley? I see that one of the pulleys has a bushing noted in the parts list.

Anyone? Beuhler......lol!!

Just came across this thread on NAXJA...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1045146

I have some crappy mounts as well, but my fan isn't hitting the radiator. My noise is clearly from the pulley area (whether its the pulley or fan clutch is another story).

Could bad mounts cause the pulley to have added stress and make noise when the fan spins?

Signs of a bad fan clutch-
Fan spins excessively when engine is stopped.
Poor A/C performance at idle or low vehicle speeds.
Fan speed does not increase when engine is hot.
Fan speed does not increase until engine is excessively hot.
Fan blade tip moves more than 1/4” front to back.
Fan turns roughly or does not turn at all.
Excessive fan noise at all speeds due to failed bearing.
Vibration that increases with engine speed.

Its hard to diagnose without seeing or hearing it.

My mechanic said it may be this (highlighted above). Where is this bearing located? Is it in the fan clutch assembly? He was pointing to something else behind the pulley.......I just want to get the info before diving into the work.

II honestly couldnt tell you, I have never had to deal with fan clutch bearing. If the clutch is bad, I replaced it, no questions asked.