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Fan Hub Clearance Over Steering Rack?

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RJS

RJS

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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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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