Q: How to replace the Cooling Fan and fan clutch in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A: Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Rock the fan back and forth by hand to check for excessive bearing play. With the engine cold, turn the fan blades by hand. The fan should turn freely. Visually inspect for substantial fluid leakage from the clutch assembly. If problems are noted, replace the clutch assembly. Reconnect the battery cable and warm up the engine. With the engine completely warmed up, turn off the ignition switch and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Tum the fan by hand. Some drag should be evident. If the fan turns easily, replace the fan clutch. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Remove the air cleaner duct from the throttle body and air cleaner housing. Disconnect the reservoir hose from the Radiator filler neck. Remove the screws securing the shroud to the radiator and slide the shroud toward the engine. Loosen the clutch hub nut as follows: Note: This nut has standard right-hand threads and must be rotated counter-clockwise for removal. Remove the large nut securing the clutch hub assembly to the water pump drivebelt hub. Use the two special tools, available at most auto parts stores. If the special tools are not available, use a strap wrench to hold the assembly from rotating and use a large adjustable wrench to remove the large nut. Lift the shroud and the fan/clutch assembly out of the engine compartment together. The shroud must come out with the fan assembly. Inspect the fan blades for damage and defects. Replace it if necessary by removing the bolts securing the fan to the clutch assembly. If the fan clutch is stored, position it with the radiator side facing down. Installation is the reverse of the removal steps. Be sure to tighten the fan and clutch nut evenly.