Fan Hub Clearance Over Steering Rack?

[RJS]

How much clearance is considered correct? My fan hub doesn't rub on the steering rack but, boy is it close. I can't even fit a credit card between the two.

I understand I can fix improve the clearance by slipping a few diff washers under the front motor mounts. Is this worthwhile or am I worried about nothing?

Bob

 

[TR4nut]

Bob-

Normally I think you'd have a half inch or more gap - the main headache is if you break a fan belt it will be difficult to make any roadside fix.

Randy

 

[Geo Hahn]

Mine is close to... but not too close. Maybe 3/8". A credit card clearance would worry me.

As noted, the main issue is fan belt installation. I have to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the engine a bit. The TR3 trick of cocking the wheels to one side to increase the clearance doesn't get it done on a TR4.

I carry a length of rope in case I need to make a temporary belt to get home (have had to once).

Once saw a guy who had fitted a second belt thru there and then zip-tied it out of the way to be ready to go when needed. A real plan-ahead sort.

 

[KVH]

My clearance in my 4A was about 1/4" at best, so, following advice on this amazing forum, I bought some large, thick washers, cut slots in them with a dremmel tool, loosened the engine mounts, raised the engine, and slid the washers down over the bolts.

One of the folks here posted pics of the same procedure.

 

[RJS]

Thanks,

Sounds like I should raise it a bit. I had to do the whole unbolt engine mounts, and raise engine when I replaced my fan belt last year. So, I know it's not a big job. I have a couple of extra diff washers (3/16" thick) which are perfect size. I try slipping one in each side to see how much I gain and possibly consider two on each side if needed.

Not too worried about the belt replacement issue as much as I am the hub rubbing on the rack and causing larger issues.

Cheers,

Bob
PS: my motor mounts are only a couple of years old. HD set from BPNW so I know the issue is not old/collapsed mounts.
PPS: those new HD motor mounts made a HUGE improvement in the over all feel of the car. Much less vibration transmitted into the car over my 42 year old mounts.