Auxiliary fan vibration '01 XJ

[bebert]

I have an '01 XJ with 46k miles. In the past few weeks I've noticed that (while driving or idling) when the engine gets hot enough to cause the auxiliary fan to begin pulling air through the radiator, a strange vibration starts. This vibration then disappears when there's enough air coming through to cool things down a bit and the fan goes off. Mostly this is felt in the pedals and the steering wheel. The Jeep seems to drive OK (maybe just a bit sluggish in low gear - but I may just be reading into the problem) and all lights and gauges are normal.

I just had the belt replaced - is it possible that the mechanic accidentally did something to the auxiliary fan? Bearing/clutch?

Thanks for your help.
Eric

[xj31]

its definitly possible.you usally need to remove the electric fan to change the belt so its possible that the fan was not put back correctly.or if he tried to change the belt with the fan still in the car he could have broken one of the blades or the housing

[XJ60thowner]

I have a 2001 xj with 53k..It has had that rough idle when the aux fan goes on..I couldnt find any resolution to fix it..And i have seen other xj's with the same problem.

[bebert]

Well, I finally took a hard look at the fan and it is broken. I've located the part and I'll write back when I've changed it out.

[fastwen]

My fan came back from the shop with a tiny little crack in it after I had the mechanic replace my belt. I found the crack when my friend looked at it after I began feeling abnormal vibarations on a hot day. It was clearly the mechanic's fault and I've been more than generous playing the waiting game for him to find a used replacement part at a decent price. However, the fan shattered the other day while I was driving and the car is undriveable because of the extreme noisy vibrations. I'd recommend replacing the fan ASAP before is shatters - not a pleasant experience.

[Saudade]

You can simply disconnect the fan and then just watch the temp gauge regularly. If it starts rising over 220 or so, simply put it into neutral and rev the engine a bit. This will circulate more coolant and speed up the engine driven fan. Of course, you should avoid long trips, heavying towing and extended idling.

[bebert]

I found a replacement fan at a local shop for about $90. No used part around. It was a little more than I wanted to pay, but I'm going on a trip soon and I didn't want an explosion like fastwen reported. I could tell that was probably going to happen next. BTW, the dealership wanted about $225 for the assembly.

The installation was relatively easy except getting to the pins holding the tabs in place at the bottom of the assembly. Much quieter now and without any vibration.

I've heard that XJs are notorious for having weak A/C. Is that really a common issue?

fastwen, did the shattering damage hoses or anything else?