Can radiator fan be replaced without disassembling the unit?

[mklein9]

Durametric says I have a problem with the passenger side radiator fan.  Using the Actions controls to turn on the radiator fans, the passenger side fan does not turn on in either low or high setting.  Previously while replacing brake pads I removed the wheel well liner and inspected the radiator unit.  The fan turns freely when manually pushed but does not turn under computer control.  So the fan motor appears to have failed.  Driver's side fan works fine.

 

The fan is mounted to the radiator as a unit and it appears impossible to remove just the fan without removing the whole unit, and given the tight space it appears necessary to disconnect the unit from the cooling hoses to do so.  I was hoping to avoid this and replace just the fan.  I have searched and there are numerous sources for replacing the whole unit but none (that I've found) that discuss whether the fan can somehow be removed and replaced by itself.  Does anybody know if this can be done?

 

2005 Boxster, manual, no mods.

Edited March 3, 2016 by mklein9

[JFP in PA]

Durametric says I have a problem with the passenger side radiator fan.  Using the Actions controls to turn on the radiator fans, the passenger side fan does not turn on in either low or high setting.  Previously while replacing brake pads I removed the wheel well liner and inspected the radiator unit.  The fan turns freely when manually pushed but does not turn under computer control.  So the fan motor appears to have failed.  Driver's side fan works fine.

 

The fan is mounted to the radiator as a unit and it appears impossible to remove just the fan without removing the whole unit, and given the tight space it appears necessary to disconnect the unit from the cooling hoses to do so.  I was hoping to avoid this and replace just the fan.  I have searched and there are numerous sources for replacing the whole unit but none (that I've found) that discuss whether the fan can somehow be removed and replaced by itself.  Does anybody know if this can be done?

 

2005 Boxster, manual, no mods.

 

Next time, try looking up the parts in the Porsche PET system.  Your passenger's side fan is available as a separate part, #99762412802, and retails for a tad under $450..

 

[Richard Hamilton]

I would try to put 12v on the fan, to see if it runs.  There is a fan control module, which can fail.  Ask me how I know....

[mklein9]

 

Durametric says I have a problem with the passenger side radiator fan.  Using the Actions controls to turn on the radiator fans, the passenger side fan does not turn on in either low or high setting.  Previously while replacing brake pads I removed the wheel well liner and inspected the radiator unit.  The fan turns freely when manually pushed but does not turn under computer control.  So the fan motor appears to have failed.  Driver's side fan works fine.

 

The fan is mounted to the radiator as a unit and it appears impossible to remove just the fan without removing the whole unit, and given the tight space it appears necessary to disconnect the unit from the cooling hoses to do so.  I was hoping to avoid this and replace just the fan.  I have searched and there are numerous sources for replacing the whole unit but none (that I've found) that discuss whether the fan can somehow be removed and replaced by itself.  Does anybody know if this can be done?

 

2005 Boxster, manual, no mods.

 

Next time, try looking up the parts in the Porsche PET system.  Your passenger's side fan is available as a separate part, #99762412802, and retails for a tad under $450..

 

 

 

 

Thanks JFP; I was aware that the fan can be bought as a separate part but was asking if the replacement of the fan alone can be done without removing the whole unit from the car.  Sorry for confusion on the question.

[JFP in PA]

 

 

Durametric says I have a problem with the passenger side radiator fan.  Using the Actions controls to turn on the radiator fans, the passenger side fan does not turn on in either low or high setting.  Previously while replacing brake pads I removed the wheel well liner and inspected the radiator unit.  The fan turns freely when manually pushed but does not turn under computer control.  So the fan motor appears to have failed.  Driver's side fan works fine.

 

The fan is mounted to the radiator as a unit and it appears impossible to remove just the fan without removing the whole unit, and given the tight space it appears necessary to disconnect the unit from the cooling hoses to do so.  I was hoping to avoid this and replace just the fan.  I have searched and there are numerous sources for replacing the whole unit but none (that I've found) that discuss whether the fan can somehow be removed and replaced by itself.  Does anybody know if this can be done?

 

2005 Boxster, manual, no mods.

 

Next time, try looking up the parts in the Porsche PET system.  Your passenger's side fan is available as a separate part, #99762412802, and retails for a tad under $450..

 

 

 

 

Thanks JFP; I was aware that the fan can be bought as a separate part but was asking if the replacement of the fan alone can be done without removing the whole unit from the car.  Sorry for confusion on the question.

 

 

You can access the fan and radiator by removing the front fascia and wheel well liner, and then moving a couple other items out of the way.  This is from a 996, but yours in not that different:

 

[mklein9]

 

You can access the fan and radiator by removing the front fascia and wheel well liner, and then moving a couple other items out of the way.  This is from a 996, but yours in not that different:

 

OK, thanks JFP.  I found the Pelican photos too but it is not obvious from the photos alone that the unit can be loosened enough to remove the fan without disconnecting the hoses and removing the whole assembly.

[JFP in PA]

 

 

You can access the fan and radiator by removing the front fascia and wheel well liner, and then moving a couple other items out of the way.  This is from a 996, but yours in not that different:

 

OK, thanks JFP.  I found the Pelican photos too but it is not obvious from the photos alone that the unit can be loosened enough to remove the fan without disconnecting the hoses and removing the whole assembly.

 

 

If you look at the exploded parts diagram above, you will see that the fan is mounted into a shroud, which is then held in by a couple of fasteners.  You do not need to drain and remove the radiators, or the AC heat exchangers, they remain in the car.