Fan Clutch or Actuator, A3

[OldSchoolAmerica]

While replacing the alternator regulator and brushes in my A3 I noticed the fan spinning freely with no pressure in the system (truck not running and tanks empty). Bought a fan clutch rebuild kit because given those symptons, I thought the actuator is good and fan clutch bad. However, when I loosened/removed the nut on the actuator, the clutch locked up tight. So does this tell me the actuator is bad? I would think if the actuator was bad and leaking air the fan would be locked up all the time. So before I pull everything apart and rebuilt the fan clutch, is that even the problem?

I couldn't find anything in the TM regarding this condition.

 

[farmer al 199]

I rebuilt the fan clutch on my cummins 250 using the rebuilt kit, but the belt pulley that rides on the large bearing still has a lot of play in it when assembled.
the replacement bearing is the same size as the old one. Did anyone have similar problems or am I missing something ? Any help would be great. I use this truck for work and have been without it for a week try to figure this out.