2001 3.4 Fan Clutch bearing noise / failure

A couple of weeks ago I replaced the P/S & A/C belts on my 2001 Taco 3.4 with 199K. After installation, I noticed the engine pitch (noise) had become higher when driving. The noise comes from the No. 1 & 2 Fan Pulley and sounds like a bearing going bad. Quiet at idle but like loose gravel when revved to 2K RPM.

Yesterday I removed all the P/S, A/C & Alt belts, started the engine and all was quiet at idle and revving the engine. I have no antifreeze leak and since the water pump was quiet and I have concluded the water pump is good. Agree?

While removing the belts though I saw fluid / grease had been sprayed around the engine compartment, battery etc. The source was what I would call the fan clutch bearing. The Service Manual calls it the fluid coupling. The manual for Cooling FVZ-FE water pump states "check the fluid coupling is not damaged and no silicone oil is leaks".

My fluid coupling has leaked so is the fluid coupling the culprit of the bearing noise? Other question I am planning on a 500 mile trip this week, is it safe to drive in the current condition or can the fluid clutch seize up leaving me stranded on the road side.

If you have had similar problem, I would appreciate your experience.

 

It’s either your fan clutch or the bracket bearing,
DONT go on a trip without fixing the issues. It will lock up on you

 

Just changed my fan hub bracket. Go with the Aisin brand for the best quality. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1871554&cc=1429084&jsn=390 $100.00

 

It's unlikely it will seize up. I it does, it'll work just like a fixed fan. Most likely it will free wheel.

 

Ya but before it freezes up it will free wheel and not draw any air stopped or low speeds.

 

My FAN BRACKET bearing did seize up and snapped the belt from burning right through it, left me dead on the highway

 

What's a "Bracket Bearing?" If the water pump bearing seized up it would stop and the belt would snap the way you described.

 

Yes , the fan belt belt bracket bearing will do the same think and will lock up and snap the belt,
I know because it happened to me

 

I didn't consider the fan hub bracket but I did order a Aisin Fan Clutch which I will replace before driving over the continental divide this Friday. The fan clutch free wheels when hot but the water temperature has remained normal driving back n forth to work.

The fan cluch has also leaked some pretty thick viscous oil when parked overnight, thicker than gear oil. Hopefully I got lucky and picked the right part to replace . . . Hate replacing the wrong part.

 

I think your good to go!

 

do you have any recollection of any 'peculiar' sounds truck was making before this locked and snapped?

if your sub and amp are cranked maybe no?